Q&A for How to Do a Needle in Cheerleading

Knowing how to do the scorpion can help you learn how to do the needle. Both use similar techniques. The scorpion is just the needle, but with a bent leg.

Yes, but it is better if you have both splits -- that will increase your flexibility and make it easier to do your needle.

Yes. It is an important part of the needle and scorpion. It is also helpful to have oversplits.

This means you have great leg flexibility, but you should work on the flexibility of your back and arms by doing things such as bridges. Then you should be able to reach your foot.

As said in the article, use the spotter technique. If this doesn't help you, try having a friend help you. Make them let go slightly when you get you balance. Do this several times.

Lock your leg. If you have trouble doing that, have a friend hold your knee in the locked position as you pull your leg up into a needle.

Try practicing your needle lying facedown on your bed. Perfect your technique there before re-attempting it in a less safe environment.

Put in time every day to warm up your muscles and stretch, making sure it's consistent. The more you stretch, the more flexible your muscles will become.

In order to do a needle with both hands, you need to make sure that your shoulders and hips are squared at all times. There is a type of needle that is done with one hand, which is the opposite hand to the leg that you are using.

Try doing shoulder stretches and stretching them before attempting the skill. Make sure your sholders and elbows are as flexible as possible.

Stretch every day. Do lunges, splits, beds, twits, or whatever else it takes. Do it at least twice a day. Getting flexible will take a while, so don't expect it to happen overnight.

It's possible if you're dedicated enough, but it usually takes longer than 11 days. I would say it usually takes about a couple months to learn the needle.

Lots and lots of stretching. Stretching is the best thing you can do to prevent back pain when pulling flyer positions. In addition to stretching, avoid activities that might put additional strain on your back or back muscles.

When I first started doing my needle I had the same issue. I recommend doing it every day and taking deep breaths. The more you practice it the easier it will become to breathe. There are also stretches you can do that will make breathing easier. Try laying with your stomach on the floor and both legs pressed against the wall. Work on staying in this position for a long time. It really helped me!

You don't have enough leg flexibility, but you have a lot of back flexibility. Try to work on your legs a little, then you're sure to have it.

Stretch regularly to build better back flexibility.

It is easier to have very good back flexibility in order to do a needle. You should stretch out your back muscles more in order to achieve your needle.

Not without a lot of strength. Make sure your hands are behind your head so you can catch your leg before it hits your head.

It depends on your prior experience with cheerleading, but probably at least a few weeks, if not longer.

I would recommend you do more back stretches daily, and try over splits too. If you have trouble balancing, spot an object in front of you, and don't take your eyes off of it.

In this case, you would be attempting your right leg needle. It would be possible, but it would be much easier if you had your right splits too.

You will need to kick your leg up. If this is hard, you may need to have better back muscles and flexibility.

Try to do at least 20 stretches throughout the day, such as lunges, nose to knee, splits, over split, bridge, straddle position, pancake, etc.

A needle helps with being a flyer. Being flexible makes it easier to stay in the air because you only need to focus on your balance, not your flexibility.

Use gloves or cream or you can put your hands on your legs or hips.

Maybe start doing stretches with your legs and start doing more toe touches. In time you should be able to.

This will vary from person to person, but it should not be painful unless you do not stretch ahead of time. It is imperative to stretch beforehand to ensure that you do not get hurt.

Stretch every day and practice your stunts. It will get easier the more that you practice properly.

Wrap both hands around your lower foot to get a stronger grip.

You can't, really. You have to grab your foot, although I suppose if you leaned on the ground, you could extend your leg and go into a needle. (Use a mirror to help with this.)