How many cheerleaders does it take to lift a torch? In all girl teams, an extension requires a minimum of three bases, often a fourth is used to stabilise the stunt. In co-ed teams, a man can lift a cheerleader to torch by himself, with a safety spotter positioned nearby. The history of stunt building is that the top girl was raised to eye level with fans seated higher in the stands, generating more enthusiasm from those who might feel slightly removed from the action!