What Is a Release Move in Cheerleading?

Quick answer: a release move is any stunt or pyramid skill in which the flyer is fully released by their bases mid-skill - with no continuous point of contact - before being caught again, as opposed to a braced position, where a neighbouring stunt keeps some contact with the flyer throughout.

What Does It Look Like?

During a release move, there's a distinct moment where the flyer is entirely airborne and unsupported, moving independently before the group re-establishes contact to catch them. A basket toss is one common, foundational example of a release move.

Who Is Involved?

Release moves are performed by a full stunt group, or across multiple connected groups in a pyramid - the flyer moves independently during the release, while bases and back spot manage the release and re-catch with precise timing.

Where It Fits in a Routine

Release moves are typically used as highlight moments within stunt sequences and pyramids, adding visual difficulty and a moment of genuine suspense compared with skills where contact is continuously maintained.

How the Term Is Used

"Release move" is a broad category covering any skill built around a full release and re-catch, distinguishing it from a brace-supported skill, where the flyer stays in contact with a neighbouring stunt throughout.

Related Skills

Release moves range from relatively simple tosses like a basket toss and ground-level entrance skills like a switch-up, to far more advanced pyramid-based releases involving multiple stunt groups and, at the highest levels, inversions.

Level / Division Context

Under the USASF All Star rules (2026–27), release moves (other than dismounts and tosses) start at Level 3, where they must begin at waist level or below, land at prep level or below and include no more than one skill and no twisting. Level 4 allows release moves that land at extended height if they start at prep level or below, and the limits keep widening at Levels 5 to 7. Free-flipping release moves are not allowed below Level 6.

What Judges Look For Conceptually

Judges are generally looking for a clean, controlled release, a confident and stable shape during the airborne moment, and a well-timed, secure catch.