Becoming A Better Base?

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Jul 11, 2012
23
5
I want to become a stronger base so that it becomes easier. What excersizes or drills can I do at home by myself that will help?
 
Well my girls are young but they do full and one handed push-ups at home (for fun - they race and compete against each other) and practice doing handstand and walking across the room like that. Their coach has commented on how strong they are for their age - the littlest can base kids bigger and older than her. Basically my kids do this whenever a typical kid would be sitting still watching t.v. and they do that while they watch tv (which is not much). I have never even suggest they do this - in fact half the time I'm telling them to stop. The great thing about the handstands is it helps them with their balance and their tumbling skills as well as build their strength -- they are using their arms to hold up their own weight which is about the same as the girls they lift. I'm sure older bases have some secrets but my girls seem to have fun challenging themselves in particle with the handstands so maybe that is part of the secret - more willing to do it if it is fun for you :) Or maybe and okay definitely true I have weird kids who if they had their way would be cheering or tumbling 24/7 (but I love them).
 
First make sure you know the correct technique of how proper basing should be done. That will help you A LOT, and will save a lot of time in your learning process. Many people think that basing is all upper body but in reality you're supposed to use your lower body just as much. Explode with your legs then start to lock your arms out once the stunt gets to about chest level.

Long story short, basic conditioning of your arms, legs, and core - along with correct technique and progression - will help make a drastic improvement on your basing skills.
 
Okay first, ALWAYS LIFT WITH YOUR LEGS, most people know that, im just verifying. Do not lift with your back you'll get hurt, and it's harder.
To be a good base, you need strength mainly in your legs, your arms, and abs.
If your not the strongest, lift weights, and stunt A LOT. Some open gyms have places where you can learn to base, or practice basing, go there. The more you practice the better. A very important part of being a good base is lots of strength. Lift weights and do lots of arm circles, push ups, handstands, etc, to build up arm strength. Also do crunches, v-ups, planks, anything to help your core. And try riding your bike, going on tread mills or anything like that to build up leg strength.
Also, if you are the kind of base who is always wobbly when basing, try balancing a paint can or a heavy soup can on your hands as if you are basing, it will help you. Just make sure if your using a paint can you do it outside for when it falls and breaks:)
 
along with all of these arm and leg exercises, don't forget to focus on your abs! a strong core will help with everything!
 
The first step to becoming a better base is knowing the proper technique. Get with your coach or one of the bases that you feel is strong and ask them to help you out. That's what coaches and teammates are for!
The second step is strengthening the crucial body parts - your back, abdomen, and legs. Yes, you do need arm strength but these three are the core of strength as a base. Again, your coach and teammates are perfect for asking questions about the types of exercises to do.
The biggest thing one of my coaches ever told me in my 7 years cheering is that both bases should literally feel sturdy like the base of a tree. This means yes, you need to touch and basically become one. The closer together you are, the more solid the stunt will be.
 
be besties with the other base!! the closer you are the better, and the more you are comfortable with the other person, the easier it will be to get "right up in there" as my coach says
 
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