Quick answer: buckets is a motion in which both arms reach straight forward, parallel to the ground at about shoulder height, with the fists facing down - as if holding a bucket by its handle in each hand, which gives the motion its name.
What Does It Look Like?
Both arms extend straight out in front of the body, level with the shoulders, parallel to each other and roughly shoulder-width apart. The fists are turned so the knuckles face up and the palm side faces the floor - the grip you'd use to carry a bucket.
Hands and Arms
The arms are locked straight and level. The fists are tight with the wrists straight, so the backs of the hands line up with the forearms. The arms stay at shoulder height rather than sagging towards the waist.
Common Mistakes Judges Notice
- Arms drooping below shoulder height.
- Arms drifting apart or together, so they're no longer parallel.
- The wrong fist rotation - thumbs up instead of knuckles up, which turns buckets into candlesticks.
- Bent elbows or wrists.
Buckets vs Candlesticks
The two motions use exactly the same arm position. The only difference is the fists:
| Buckets | Candlesticks | |
|---|---|---|
| Fist rotation | Knuckles up, fists facing down | Thumb side up |
| Named after | Carrying a bucket by its handle | Holding a candle upright |
Because the difference is small, it's a classic place for a team to mismatch - judges watching from the front can see when some athletes have their thumbs up and others have their knuckles up.
Where It Fits in a Routine
Buckets appear in chants and dances as a forward-reaching position, often in contrast with overhead motions such as a high V or touchdown. Reaching towards the crowd also makes buckets useful for crowd-facing moments in sideline cheer.
A Note on Naming
Motion names aren't set by any governing body, so details such as arm height can vary slightly between gyms. Follow your coach's terminology and version.
Related Motions
See candlesticks, the T motion and touchdown, or browse the full motion chart.