Quick answer: a pyramid is a formation in which multiple stunt groups connect to each other - for example by holding hands, bracing one another, or sharing a flyer between groups - to form one larger, connected structure rather than several separate stunts.
What Does It Look Like?
Where a single stunt involves one flyer and their supporting bases working independently, a pyramid links several of these stunt groups together side by side. Flyers might hold hands across neighbouring stunts, or one stunt might physically brace or support another, creating a wider, taller or more visually striking structure than any single stunt could achieve alone.
Who Is Involved?
A pyramid involves multiple full stunt groups at once - each with its own flyer, bases and back spot - all coordinating together rather than performing independently.
Where It Fits in a Routine
Pyramids are typically one of the visual centrepieces of a routine, often placed to showcase the team's overall stunt strength, and are judged both on the individual stunts within it and on how well the connections and timing work across the whole structure.
How the Term Is Used
"Pyramid" describes the connected formation as a whole, regardless of its specific shape - the name comes from the classic image of stunts stacked or spread in a pyramid-like arrangement, though modern pyramids take many different shapes.
Related Skills
A pyramid is built from the same underlying stunt positions used elsewhere - preps, extensions, libertys and more - connected together rather than performed as new skills in themselves.
Level / Division Context
Under the USASF All Star rules (2026–27), pyramids are allowed from Level 1, up to two people high, with strict bracing rules. Higher levels progressively allow extended single-leg stunts in pyramids, released transitions, braced flips and inversions, and Level 7 allows pyramids up to 2½ people high - see Levels Explained for how the level system works.
What Judges Look For Conceptually
Judges are generally looking for synchronised timing across every connected stunt group, stable connections that don't compromise any individual stunt, and a clean, controlled entry and exit for the whole structure.
| Stunt | Pyramid | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | One stunt group working independently | Multiple stunt groups connected together |
| Timing demand | Within one group | Across every connected group |
| Typical connections | None | Hand-holds, braces, shared flyers |
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.
Checked against: USASF All Star Cheer Rules and Cheer Age Grid, 2026–27 (updated 18 May 2026) on 15 October 2026