Coach Bible · Chapter 09 · Pyramids, Tosses & Dismounts

Full Down

A twisting cradle-style dismount progression requiring controlled vertical release, connected full-body rotation, strong air awareness and a predictable finish into the permitted reception. It should be built from excellent straight and lower-rotation dismount mechanics rather than learned as an isolated trick.

Twisting Dismount Full Rotation Cradle Foundation Air Awareness Rotation Control Rules Dependent

Foundation Straight Cradle

Progression Twisting Dismount

Main Focus Rise · Rotate · Finish

Next Guide Toss Height

A Full Down should never be progressed simply because an athlete can twist quickly. The underlying dismount, body control, air awareness and catch need to be reliable first. Twisting allowances vary by level, starting stunt and construction, so coaches must check the current legality documents for the exact skill being performed.

Dismount Definition

What Is a Full Down?

A twisting dismount in which the flyer performs a full rotational action while moving from the stunt into the permitted reception.

The flyer needs enough usable release and flight to complete the rotation without sacrificing the catch.

Rotation should remain connected through the whole body rather than becoming a shoulder-led spin.

The skill finishes when the flyer and catchers have controlled the reception — not when the rotation itself ends.

Full Down = dismount first, rotation second. If adding the twist destroys the release or reception, the progression is ahead of the athlete or group.

Progression Path

Build the Components First

Straight Cradle

Own the release trajectory, body control and reception.

Rotation Awareness

The flyer needs deliberate initiation and a predictable stop.

Lower Rotation

Build control through permitted lower twisting progressions before increasing rotational demand.

Full Integration

Combine rise, rotation, finish and catch only when each component remains repeatable.

Top Person Mechanics

Rise · Rotate · Re-Open

Rise

Create Usable Space

Avoid initiating aggressively before the release pathway has been established.

Rotate

Stay Connected

Maintain an organised body so the twist remains around the athlete's centre.

Finish

Return to Reception

Complete the rotation with enough time to present a predictable body position to the catching group.

Visual Diagnosis

Strong vs Weak Full Down

✓ Strong

Starting stunt is stable.
Release remains centred.
Flyer gains usable space.
Rotation is connected.
Hips and shoulders travel together.
Flyer knows when rotation is complete.
Catchers remain underneath.
Reception stays controlled.

✕ Weak

Twist begins before release.
Flyer throws one shoulder.
Skill travels sideways.
Rotation axis changes.
Flyer loses orientation.
Twist finishes into the catch.
Catchers chase.
Reception becomes heavy or unpredictable.

Dismount Sequence

Full Down Flow

1 Set Stable start

2 Release Shared timing

3 Rise Create space

4 Full Connected rotation

5 Open Finish rotation

6 Catch Receive together

Athlete Language

Coaching Cues

“Straight before twist.” “Up first.” “Turn as one.” “Keep your centre.” “Finish the full.” “Open for the catch.” “Find the group.” “Catch together.”

Diagnostic Coaching

Common Problems & Fixes

What You See	Likely Cause	Check First	Training Direction
Twist starts in dip	Flyer anticipates rotation	Straight release	Return to untwisted reps.
Flyer travels sideways	Rotation redirects centre	Initiation method	Reduce twist and restore vertical pathway.
Rotation stalls	Body becomes loose	Shape organisation	Improve connected body control.
Rotation continues through catch	Finish is late	Timing	Complete rotation sooner.
Flyer loses orientation	Air awareness not ready	Progression choice	Regress rotational demand.
Catchers move dramatically	Release or twist has travelled	Straight cradle	Rebuild foundation.

Hotshots Coaching Standard

Is the Full Down Ready?

GREEN · Ready

Straight cradle is highly consistent.
Release remains vertical.
Rotation starts deliberately.
Body stays connected.
Flyer controls full rotation.
Rotation finishes before catch.
Reception remains predictable.
Current legality confirmed.

AMBER · Developing

Slight horizontal travel.
Rotation speed varies.
Finish occasionally late.
Routine-speed version inconsistent.
Groups need synchronising.

RED · Regress

Straight cradle not secure.
Large sideways travel.
Flyer loses orientation.
Rotation cannot be stopped.
Catchers chase.
Legality has not been confirmed.