What Is a Scorpion in Cheerleading?

Quick answer: a scorpion is a single-leg stunt position in which the flyer stands on one leg while pulling the other leg up and back over the head, arching the back - a flexibility-based variation similar to a heel stretch but held behind the body instead of in front.

What Does It Look Like?

The flyer balances on one leg, with the free leg bent and pulled up behind the head, typically gripped with the same-side or crossing hand, while arching the back to bring the foot into view above the shoulder. It requires significant back flexibility alongside single-leg balance.

Who Is Involved?

A scorpion 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

Scorpions commonly appear as a stand-alone stunt or as part of a sequence of single-leg flexibility positions, often shown alongside a heel stretch for visual contrast.

How the Term Is Used

"Scorpion" refers specifically to the behind-the-body leg position; the name comes from the arched, tail-like shape the position creates.

Related Skills

The scorpion is closely related to the heel stretch and bow-and-arrow - all three are flexibility-based single-leg positions typically built from a liberty, differing mainly in where the free leg is held.

Level / Division Context

Under the USASF All Star rules (2026–27), a scorpion follows the same height rules as other single-leg stunts: prep level from Level 2, extended from Level 3. Like the heel stretch, it is usually added once a team is confident with libertys and the flyer has the necessary flexibility.

What Judges Look For Conceptually

Judges are generally looking for a stable single-leg base, correct back and leg positioning, and a controlled hold rather than a brief or unstable touch.