What Is a Basket Toss in Cheerleading?

Quick answer: a basket toss is a toss skill in which two or more bases grip hands to form a "basket," load the flyer's feet into it, and forcefully fling the flyer into the air, who performs a shape or trick before being caught in a cradle.

What Does It Look Like?

Two main bases interlock their hands to create a seat or "basket," with additional bases or a back spot often assisting. The flyer stands in the basket, and on a count, the group drives upward together, launching the flyer well above the group before catching them safely on the way down.

Who Is Involved?

A basket toss typically involves more athletes than a standard stunt - two main bases forming the basket, additional support bases, and a back spot, all coordinating the toss and catch for the flyer.

Where It Fits in a Routine

Basket tosses are usually a highlight moment in a routine, often performed by multiple stunt groups at once for visual impact, and are judged on both height and the flyer's control in the air.

How the Term Is Used

"Basket toss" refers to the skill as a whole - the toss, whatever shape or trick the flyer performs mid-air, and the catch. Variations are often named for what the flyer does in the air, such as a toe-touch basket or kick full.

Related Skills

Every basket toss ends in a cradle catch, and the skill is closely related to a straight ride, which uses the same full-release toss but with the flyer holding a straight body line instead of a trick.

Level / Division Context

Under the USASF All Star rules (2026–27), tosses are not allowed at all at Level 1. Level 2 allows a straight ride only, Level 3 allows one trick such as a toe touch, and the number of tricks and twists allowed rises from there. Tosses are not permitted in Prep or Novice divisions.

What Judges Look For Conceptually

Judges are generally looking for toss height, a clean and controlled shape or trick in the air, and a confident, well-timed cradle catch.