Level 5 Cheerleading Explained

Quick answer: Level 5 is where twisting tumbling arrives - up to one flip and one full twist in running tumbling, so a running full. Standing tumbling still can't twist. In stunts it allows more twisting, release moves that start and land at extended height (such as extended tic-tocks), and tosses with up to three tricks and 2½ twists.

What Does This Level Mean?

Level 5 is an advanced level, requiring a solid technical foundation across stunts, tumbling and jumps before adding significantly harder - and higher-risk - skills on top.

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

Typical Stunt Categories

• Twisting up to two twists into prep-level and extended two-leg stunts, and up to 1½ twists into an extended single-leg stunt.
• Release moves no longer have to start low, so skills like an extended-to-extended tic-tock are allowed, within a height limit above the bases' extended arms. Releases from inverted to non-inverted (with no twisting) are also allowed.
• Downward inversions from above prep level, with three catchers.
• Tosses with up to 2½ twists and up to three tricks, such as a kick double.

Typical Tumbling Categories

• Running: up to one flip and one twist, such as a full or an Arabian. A twisting flip must come straight after a running roundoff, back handspring(s) or front handspring(s), and nothing may follow a full-twisting skill.
• Standing: jump flips and other single non-twisting flips. Standing twisting is still not allowed - it arrives at Level 6.

Jumps and Motions

Jumps and motions aren't restricted by level. Jump difficulty and combination expectations continue to rise, with routines demanding sustained, high-quality technique throughout.

What Changes From the Previous Level?

Compared with Level 4, Level 5 adds running twisting tumbling, more twisting in stunts, higher release moves and a third trick in tosses.

What Changes at the Next Level?

Level 6 allows up to two twists in both running and standing tumbling (so double fulls and standing fulls), and the first free-flipping stunt skills, such as rewinds.

Division / Governing Body Differences

Level 5 requirements vary between governing bodies and are updated every season. Level 5 is also offered in international (IASF) divisions at the Cheerleading Worlds, for teams outside the United States.

Parent Questions

Parents of Level 5 athletes often ask about safety given the higher skill difficulty - this is exactly why qualified coaching, proper progressions and appropriate facilities matter even more at advanced levels. See our safety policy.

Related Levels

See Level 4, Level 6, or the levels hub for the full system.