Pop Down
A controlled downward dismount in which the stunt group lowers or releases the flyer through a planned vertical pathway to the performing surface. The goal is not to drop the flyer quickly; it is to complete the stunt with the same timing, body control and shared responsibility used to build it.
What Is a Pop Down?
A downward stunt dismount that moves the flyer from supported height toward the performing surface through a controlled, planned pathway.
The group should remain involved throughout the dismount rather than treating the athlete's descent as separate from the stunt.
The flyer maintains body control and prepares for a balanced landing rather than reaching prematurely for the floor.
The finish should be quiet, controlled and repeatable.
Keep Control Through the Exit
Own the Start
Avoid beginning a dismount while the stunt is already significantly unstable.
Use One Count
The group should begin together so the flyer remains centred.
Control the Path
Keep the descent predictable rather than allowing the flyer to travel unexpectedly.
Complete the Landing
Stay engaged until the athlete is safely and clearly back on the performing surface.
Land the Skill — Don't Escape It
Stay Organised
Maintain control during the downward pathway rather than folding or reaching immediately.
Prepare for Surface
Transition into a stable landing position at the appropriate point rather than searching for the floor too early.
Absorb and Stabilise
Finish through controlled legs and body alignment rather than a stiff or collapsing landing.
Strong vs Weak Pop Down
✓ Strong
- Starting stunt is controlled.
- Group initiates together.
- Flyer remains centred.
- Descent is predictable.
- Flyer stays active.
- Feet meet the floor under control.
- Landing is absorbed.
- Group finishes together.
✕ Weak
- Dismount begins during a wobble.
- One base lowers before the other.
- Flyer steps or jumps away unexpectedly.
- Descent moves sideways.
- Flyer reaches for the floor too early.
- Landing is stiff.
- Group releases responsibility early.
- Finish looks rushed.
Pop Down Flow
Coaching Cues
Common Problems & Fixes
| What You See | Likely Cause | Check First | Training Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flyer travels sideways | Group lowers unevenly | Base timing | Rebuild matched exit timing. |
| Flyer jumps away | Athlete trying to create own dismount | Role understanding | Re-establish planned pathway. |
| Flyer reaches for floor | Anticipating landing | Body position | Maintain organisation longer. |
| Landing is noisy | Poor absorption | Knees, hips and posture | Train landing control separately. |
| Flyer lands behind bases | Pathway drifting | Group alignment | Keep descent vertical. |
| One base loses contact early | Exit responsibilities unclear | Group roles | Define finish responsibilities. |
| Pop down varies each time | Starting stunt or count inconsistent | First movement | Standardise the entire sequence. |
Is the Pop Down Ready?
GREEN · Ready
- Starting stunt is stable.
- Group initiates together.
- Descent remains centred.
- Flyer stays organised.
- Feet prepare at the correct time.
- Landing is controlled.
- Group completes the finish.
- Current legality confirmed.
AMBER · Developing
- Minor lateral travel.
- Flyer anticipates floor.
- Landing slightly heavy.
- Exit timing varies.
- Routine-speed finish needs cleaning.
RED · Regress
- Starting stunt is unstable.
- Flyer jumps away from group.
- Large sideways movement.
- Support is lost unexpectedly.
- Landing cannot be controlled.
- Exact legality is unclear.