What Is a Bow-and-Arrow in Cheerleading?

Quick answer: a bow-and-arrow is a single-leg stunt position in which the flyer extends the free leg straight up alongside the body, gripping it with the opposite hand reaching across, while the other arm extends out to the side in a straight line - resembling an archer drawing a bow, and closely related to the scorpion.

What Does It Look Like?

The flyer balances on one leg while extending the other leg straight up, gripping the raised foot or ankle with the opposite hand reaching across the body. The free arm extends straight out to the side, so the raised leg forms the "bow" and the extended arm forms the "arrow" - the shape the name refers to.

Who Is Involved?

A bow-and-arrow is built by a stunt group - a flyer, a main base supporting the standing leg, an assisting base, and a back spot.

Where It Fits in a Routine

Bow-and-arrows commonly appear as a stand-alone stunt or within a sequence of flexibility-based single-leg positions, often alongside a scorpion or heel stretch.

How the Term Is Used

"Bow-and-arrow" refers to the specific raised-leg, cross-body grip and extended-arm shape that gives the skill its name.

Related Skills

The bow-and-arrow is closely related to the scorpion - both raise the free leg using a hand grip - differing mainly in direction: a bow-and-arrow raises the leg up alongside the body, while a scorpion pulls the leg up and behind the head. Both are typically built from a liberty.

Level / Division Context

Under the USASF All Star rules (2026–27), a bow-and-arrow follows the same height rules as other single-leg stunts: prep level from Level 2, extended from Level 3. Because it needs significant flexibility, teams usually add it once they are confident with libertys.

What Judges Look For Conceptually

Judges are generally looking for a stable single-leg base, correct grip and rotation, and a controlled hold rather than a brief or unstable touch.