Level 3 Cheerleading Explained

Quick answer: Level 3 is where flips first appear - a back tuck at the end of a running pass, such as roundoff back handspring tuck. In stunts it adds extended single-leg stunts such as an extended liberty, the first release moves and inversions, and basket tosses with one trick. Standing tumbling still can't include a flip.

What Does This Level Mean?

Level 3 is a noticeable jump in athleticism from Levels 1 and 2. It's the first level that allows any salto (flip) and the first that lets a flyer be released from the bases mid-stunt.

The details below follow the USASF All Star Cheer Rules for 2026–27. Other governing bodies and event producers can differ.

Typical Stunt Categories

• Extended single-leg stunts, such as an extended liberty, heel stretch or scorpion.
• Twisting up to a full twist into a prep-level or extended two-leg stunt (for example a full-up to an extension), but only a half twist into an extended single-leg stunt.
• Release moves for the first time - they must start at waist level or below, land at prep level or below, and include only one skill with no twisting.
• Inversions at prep level or below, and downward inversions from waist level with two catchers.
• Tosses with one trick, such as a toe-touch basket, and up to 1¼ twists.

Typical Tumbling Categories

• Running: a roundoff or roundoff back handspring(s) into a back tuck; aerial cartwheels; front tucks. Nothing may be connected after the tuck or aerial.
• Standing: back handsprings in series, and jumps connected to handsprings - but no flips.

Jumps and Motions

Jumps and motions aren't restricted by level. Jump combinations and connected sequences are expected to be cleaner and more consistent, with sharper, more sustained motion technique across the routine.

What Changes From the Previous Level?

Compared with Level 2, the headline changes are the running back tuck, extended single-leg stunts, release moves, prep-level inversions and one-trick tosses. Note that running tumbling itself isn't new - roundoffs are allowed from Level 1 and roundoff back handsprings from Level 2.

What Changes at the Next Level?

Level 4 adds standing tucks, running layouts and whips, extended inversions, release moves that land at extended height, and tosses with two tricks such as a kick full.

Division / Governing Body Differences

Exactly what's permitted at Level 3 varies between governing bodies and is updated every season. Novice Level 3 divisions add extra restrictions, such as no twisting into or out of extended single-leg stunts.

Parent Questions

Parents sometimes ask why Level 3 feels like a bigger jump than Level 1 to 2. It's usually because it introduces two genuinely new kinds of risk: flipping in tumbling, and flyers being released from their bases. That's why a team's coaches look for real consistency with Level 2 skills first.

Related Levels

See Level 2, Level 4, or the levels hub for the full system.