What Is a Tic-Tock in Cheerleading?

Quick answer: a tic-tock is a stunt transition in which the flyer, already at height on one leg, briefly releases and switches to standing on the other leg - generally caught by the same bases throughout, without coming back down to the ground.

What Does It Look Like?

From a single-leg position such as a liberty, the flyer's weight is briefly released and shifted, and she lands standing on the opposite leg instead, while staying at height the whole time. The name comes from the back-and-forth switch of standing leg, similar to the back-and-forth motion of a ticking clock.

Who Is Involved?

A tic-tock is performed by a stunt group - the flyer switches her standing leg while the bases and back spot coordinate the brief release and re-catch precisely.

Where It Fits in a Routine

Tic-tocks are typically used within a longer stunt sequence, adding a visual and technical transition between single-leg positions without a full dismount and reload.

How the Term Is Used

"Tic-tock" describes this specific leg-switch transition, most often performed from and back into a single-leg stunt position such as a liberty.

Related Skills

The tic-tock is related to other release-based transitions such as the switch-up, though a switch-up is a distinct skill that begins from the ground rather than switching legs while already at height.

Level / Division Context

Under the USASF All Star rules (2026–27), a tic-tock is a release move that starts above waist level, so it isn't allowed until Level 4 - where release moves that land at extended height must start at prep level or below. A tic-tock that starts and finishes at extended height is first allowed at Level 5.

What Judges Look For Conceptually

Judges are generally looking for smooth, controlled timing on the release and catch, no visible drop in height or control, and a stable landing on the new standing leg.