What Is a Kick Full in Cheerleading?

Quick answer: a kick full is a basket toss variation in which the flyer performs a kicking leg motion combined with a full 360-degree twist in the air, before being caught in a cradle - generally considered more advanced than a toe-touch basket.

What Does It Look Like?

After being launched from the basket, the flyer kicks one leg forward while rotating a complete twist in the air, combining the kicking shape with the rotation before returning to a neutral position to be caught in a cradle.

Who Is Involved?

Like any basket toss, a kick full involves the full toss team - 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

Kick fulls are typically used as a higher-difficulty highlight moment in a routine, often reserved for more experienced teams given the added twisting element.

How the Term Is Used

"Kick full" names the trick by combining its two defining features - a kicking leg shape and a full twist - following the same naming convention as other basket toss variations like a toe-touch basket.

Related Skills

A kick full combines standard basket toss mechanics with a twisting element conceptually similar to a tumbling full.

Level / Division Context

Under the USASF All Star rules (2026–27), Level 3 tosses may include only one skill or trick, and a kick and a full twist count as two - so a kick full is first allowed at Level 4, which permits up to two tricks and up to 2¼ twists. A kick double (a kick plus two full twists) needs a higher level still.

What Judges Look For Conceptually

Judges are generally looking for toss height, a clean and complete twist, correct kick shape, and a confident, well-timed cradle catch.