Quick answer: a bow-and-arrow is a single-leg stunt position in which the flyer holds the free leg out to the side with the opposite hand, twisting the torso - resembling an archer drawing a bow, and closely related to the scorpion.
What Does It Look Like?
The flyer balances on one leg while the other leg is bent and pulled out to the side, gripped with the opposite hand across the body, with the torso rotated toward the extended leg - creating a shape similar to an archer pulling back a bowstring.
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 side-and-across grip and rotated torso shape that gives the skill its name.
Related Skills
The bow-and-arrow is closely related to the scorpion - both pull the free leg behind or across the body - and is typically built from a liberty.
Level / Division Context
Like other flexibility-based single-leg positions, a bow-and-arrow is generally introduced once a team is confident with libertys, often from around Level 2–3 depending on governing body.
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.
Cheer stunts and tumbling should be learned with qualified supervision, appropriate equipment and proper progressions. This site explains terminology and concepts; it is not a substitute for coaching.
Last checked: Thu Aug 20 2026 01:00:00 GMT+0100 (British Summer Time)