Understanding the Different Levels of Cheerleading

From Tiny Novice to Level 6, here’s how the magic builds—one skill at a time.

Cheerleading can feel like a whole new world when you first enter it—especially when someone says, “She’s on a Level 2 Youth team this season!” If you’re a parent nodding along while secretly Googling what that means, this post is for you.

Cheer has a structured leveling system that’s designed to promote safe progression, proper technique, and team consistency. Whether your athlete is just starting out in Tiny Novice or working their way up to Level 6, each level builds on the last with specific skill requirements and age divisions.

Let’s break it down:

Tiny Novice

Welcome to the world of cheer! Tiny Novice is the starting point for many of our youngest athletes. This level focuses on learning the basics: motions, jumps, timing, teamwork, and tumbling fundamentals like forward rolls and cartwheels. There’s little to no stunting, and the atmosphere is all about fun, learning, and building confidence.

**Think: sparkly bows, big smiles, and the beginning of a lifelong love for the sport.

Level 1

Level 1 is the first step into competitive all star cheerleading. Athletes start working on foundational tumbling like back walkovers, front walkovers, and strong cartwheels. Stunts are simple: thigh stands, preps, and basic dismounts. What we’re really building here is technique and control—it’s not about rushing into flips, but mastering the essentials with great form. A lot of athletes spend multiple seasons here as they gain an understanding of what it’s like to be a team player, the act of performing, perfecting technique, etc..

Level 2

Now things are starting to flip—literally. Athletes begin working on back handsprings and more advanced stunts like two-legged extended stunts, basket tosses, and inversions (with restrictions). This level demands a bit more strength, timing, and group trust. Level 2 is a big leap from Level 1, and a lot of athletes spend multiple seasons here as they sharpen their tumbling and stunt technique.

Level 3

This is where the sport starts to look serious. Tumbling skills include roundoff back handspring tucks (no layouts or fulls yet), and stunts get more dynamic: extended one-legged stunts, release moves, and basket tosses with twists. At Level 3, athletes need strong core strength, clean execution, and excellent timing to keep up with fast-paced routines.

Level 4

Tumbling progresses to layouts and combination passes, while stunts include release moves and inversions at extended levels. Flyers must have exceptional body control, and bases must be strong, consistent, and smart with their grips. At this level, there’s a noticeable jump in difficulty and precision—it’s where athletes really start to separate themselves technically.

Level 5

Welcome to the elite zone. Tumbling now includes fulls (360-degree twisting layouts), and stunts feature complex transitions, baskets, and dismounts. You’ll also start to see pyramids with more creative builds and risky choreography. Level 5 teams are highly competitive and usually filled with athletes who’ve spent years building toward this level.

Level 6

This is the highest level of All Star cheer and includes double fulls, high-level pyramids, and college-level stunting. Level 6 athletes often train year-round and dedicate countless hours to their craft. Many of these athletes go on to cheer in college or even on professional-level teams.

How Age Divisions Work

In addition to levels, cheer teams are grouped by age: Tiny, Mini, Youth, Junior, and Senior. Each division has age minimums and maximums, and they’re updated annually by governing bodies like USASF. That means you might see a Youth Level 1 team or a Junior Level 4 team—they’re different combinations of age and skill level. This helps ensure routines are age-appropriate and fair across competitions.

How Do Athletes Move Up?

Progression isn’t just about age—it’s about mastering the skills safely and consistently. Coaches evaluate athletes based on technique, strength, timing, attitude, and readiness. It’s not a race—it’s a journey. Some athletes may fly through levels, while others may spend several seasons in the same one (which is totally normal).

Can You Move Mid-Season? 

Typically, athletes stay on the same team for the full season. But in special cases—like an athlete mastering new skills, a team needing a fill-in, or a growth opportunity—coaches might adjust roles or placements. That said, most of the skill-building and level shifts happen in the off-season, when we assess progress and set new goals.

It's Not Just About Tumbling

While tumbling skills often get the spotlight, levels are about the full package—not just flips. Stunting, jumps, transitions, dance, technique, timing, and performance quality all play a role in an athlete’s level placement. Someone might have a strong tumbling pass but still need time to develop the consistency, control, or confidence required to move up. It’s not about being “held back”—it’s about preparing for long-term success.

Why We Don't Rush

One of the most important things we try to explain to families is this: cheer is not a race. Athletes who skip steps too quickly are more likely to develop injuries, fear-based blocks, or poor technique that’s hard to undo later. Mastering each level builds the strength, awareness, and experience they need to move forward safely—and thrive when they get there. We celebrate athletes who move up and the ones who dig deep and grow right where they are.

What If My Athlete Has “Level 3 Skills” But Is On A Level 2 Team?

That’s actually very common. Team placements aren’t only based on individual skills—they’re about team chemistry, routine construction, and group success. Sometimes an athlete might have higher-level tumbling but be on a team that’s best for their overall development. Coaches also consider maturity, leadership, reliability, and readiness to handle the pressure of higher levels. Trust that the placement has purpose—even when it's not what you expected.

Final Thoughts

Understanding cheer levels isn’t just helpful for following along—it’s a great way to celebrate your athlete’s growth at every stage. Whether they’re learning their first motions in Tiny Novice or nailing a full in Level 5, every level is a stepping stone in their story.

It’s different for everyone. Some athletes aim for Level 6 and college cheer. Others find their passion coaching, choreographing, or simply performing for the love of the sport. Our job as coaches is to guide athletes through each level with integrity, patience, and high standards. No matter where your athlete is now, they’re on a path worth celebrating.

At Element Athletics, we believe in progress with purpose. No shortcuts. No rushing. Just skill-building, confidence-boosting, team-loving momentum—all the way up.