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

Because release moves remove the continuous control other stunts rely on, they generally require a strong technical foundation and are typically introduced at higher levels, often from around Level 4 depending on governing body.

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.