Coach Bible · Chapter 09 · Pyramids, Tosses & Dismounts

Paper Dolls

A connected side-by-side pyramid structure in which adjacent top persons create visible brace connections. The effectiveness of a Paper Dolls sequence comes from matched stunt height, consistent spacing, deliberate connections and flyers who maintain their own balance instead of leaning on neighbouring athletes.

Pyramid Braced Structure Side-by-Side Uniformity Spacing IASF Context

Structure Side-by-Side

Main Focus Uniformity

Key Connection Flyer to Flyer

Next Guide Braced Extension

Paper Dolls describes the visual structure — not a guarantee of legality.

Height, brace position, release elements, number of contacts, top-person position and transition construction must all be checked against the current level rules. Do not assume that linking adjacent flyers makes an otherwise illegal skill permitted.

Structure Definition

What Are Paper Dolls?

A line or sequence of adjacent stunt groups connected through their top persons.

The visual effect comes from multiple flyers appearing as one connected picture.

Each stunt group remains responsible for supporting its own top person. The brace connection should organise the picture rather than become the primary source of balance.

Matching height, body shape and timing becomes particularly important because differences between groups are easy to see when the athletes are directly connected.

Connection should not create dependency. A flyer who pulls heavily on the athlete beside them can move both stunt groups off centre.

Formation Mechanics

Spacing Determines the Connection

Distance

Close Enough to Connect

Flyers should not need to lean dramatically sideways simply to reach the brace.

Bases

Keep Natural Stances

Do not force bases into poor positions solely to make the flyer connection reach.

Height

Match the Platforms

Large differences in stunt height create uneven brace lines and can pull neighbouring groups.

Formation

Keep the Line Readable

Athletes should create a deliberate straight, diagonal or designed shape rather than an accidental stagger.

Top Person Mechanics

Own Your Stunt Before You Brace

Balance

Stay Over Your Bases

The flyer should remain stacked over their own support rather than leaning toward the neighbouring stunt.

Connection

Reach Without Pulling

Establish the brace deliberately while keeping the shoulders and hips organised.

Shape

Match the Line

Arm position, legs, chest orientation and presentation should create one unified visual.

Visual Diagnosis

Strong vs Weak Paper Dolls

✓ Strong

Stunts hit at matched height.
Connections happen on the same count.
Flyers remain over their own bases.
Brace line looks deliberate.
Body positions match.
Group spacing remains consistent.
No flyer visibly pulls another.
Entry and exit remain synchronised.

✕ Weak

One flyer reaches heavily sideways.
Brace connection happens late.
Stunt heights differ substantially.
Outside groups lean inward.
Flyers use each other for balance.
Line bends unintentionally.
Groups transition on different counts.
Connections break unpredictably.

Pyramid Sequence

Paper Dolls Flow

1 Set Spacing ready

2 Build Groups rise

3 Centre Own stunt

4 Connect Brace together

5 Present Match picture

6 Exit Release together

Athlete Language

Coaching Cues

“Own your stunt.” “Reach, don't lean.” “Same height.” “Connect together.” “Don't pull.” “Match the line.” “Hold your centre.” “Release together.”

Diagnostic Coaching

Common Problems & Fixes

What You See	Likely Cause	Check First	Training Direction
Flyers lean into centre	Groups spaced too far apart	Formation distance	Reset groups closer.
Line becomes uneven	Stunt heights differ	Platform level	Match individual stunts first.
One flyer pulls another	Own balance insecure	Individual stunt	Remove brace and rebuild.
Connections happen at different times	Count structure unclear	Connection count	Drill hands only before full build.
Outside groups travel inward	Brace pressure too high	Flyer shoulders	Reduce pulling pressure.
Exit becomes messy	Connections released unpredictably	Release count	Give all groups one exit count.
Legality uncertain	Brace construction not mapped	Height and contacts	Complete rule review before training.

2026–27 Comparative Context

Paper Dolls & Scoring

Stunt Technique 15 Points

Stunt Difficulty 15 Points

Technique Uniformity

Technique Synchronisation

Technique

Connections Expose Differences

Once flyers are physically linked, differences in height, posture, timing and body shape become particularly visible.

The aim is not simply to achieve the connection but to make all connected groups look intentionally alike.

Difficulty

Participation & Construction Matter

A connected sequence may contribute to the comparative picture through team participation, transition variety, combinations and the level of the performed skills.

Connection alone is not a tariff. The complete sequence is compared against the rest of the stunt section. Cleaner connected work can be more valuable than a larger-looking picture that loses stability.

Check exact bracing requirements. Current IASF and Event Producer documents determine permitted brace contacts, heights and transitions.

Hotshots Coaching Standard

Are the Paper Dolls Ready?

GREEN · Ready

All individual stunts are secure.
Spacing allows natural connection.
Heights match.
Flyers stay centred.
Connections happen together.
Shapes are uniform.
Exit is controlled.
Legality has been checked.

AMBER · Developing

Small height differences.
Minor brace pressure.
Connection timing inconsistent.
One group needs cleaner balance.
Exit timing needs work.

RED · Regress

Flyers rely on each other.
Large sideways lean.
Groups cannot hold independently.
Connections are uncontrolled.
Large height mismatch.
Legality cannot be confirmed.