Coach Bible · Chapter 09 · Pyramids, Tosses & Dismounts

Pyramid Structure

The organisation behind a successful pyramid: stunt groups, bracers, top persons, spacing, connections, timing and load distribution working together as one system. Before increasing difficulty, coaches should be able to explain exactly who supports whom, when every connection is established and how each athlete exits safely.

Pyramid Fundamentals Construction Bracers Load Distribution Spacing Legality Review

First Question Who Supports Who?

Second Question Where Is the Load?

Third Question When Do We Connect?

Next Guide Straight Ride Basket

Coaches should be able to map the entire pyramid before athletes perform it.

Identify every top person, base, back spot, bracer, contact, height, transition, release and catcher. If a coach cannot clearly describe the construction, stop and review it against current IASF and Event Producer rules before training the full element.

Construction

Think Beyond the Final Picture

Pyramid structure is the complete organisation of athletes, support, connections and movement throughout the element.

A pyramid is not only its final hit position. The entry, connection, transition and exit are all part of its structure.

Each stunt group should have a clearly defined job and each bracer should understand exactly when their additional responsibility begins and ends.

Strong construction makes complex pyramids easier to teach, easier to clean and easier to assess for legality.

Map first. Build second. Coaches should know the pathway of every athlete before asking the full pyramid to move at competition pace.

Athlete Roles

Define Every Responsibility

Top Person

Own the Body Position

Maintain personal balance and shape while managing required connections with bracers.

Bases

Own the Platform

Remain responsible for the athlete directly supported by your group.

Back Spot

Read the Structure

Maintain awareness of the local stunt group and connected movements around it.

Bracer

Maintain Required Contact

Establish and maintain the correct connection without destabilising the bracer's own position.

Load Distribution

Know Where the Weight Is Going

Primary Support

Identify the Main Platform

Coaches should know which bases are carrying the top person's primary load at every stage.

Brace Pressure

Connection Is Not Carrying

A bracer should not unexpectedly become responsible for a large amount of another athlete's body weight.

Transitions

Load Changes Must Be Planned

When support changes during a transition, athletes need to know exactly when that change occurs.

Formation

Spacing Is Part of Technique

Too Wide

Athletes Reach

Bracers may lean, flyers may move off centre and required contacts become harder to maintain.

Too Tight

Groups Interfere

Bases can lose natural stance width and athletes may collide during transitions.

Correct

Connections Feel Natural

Athletes can maintain strong individual technique while creating the required pyramid relationship.

Visual Diagnosis

Strong vs Weak Pyramid Structure

✓ Strong

Every athlete has a defined role.
Individual stunt groups are stable.
Connections happen deliberately.
Spacing allows natural posture.
Load changes are planned.
Timing is shared.
Entry and exit remain readable.
Coach can explain the complete construction.

✕ Weak

Athletes are unsure who they support.
Bracers carry unexpected weight.
Connections are added reactively.
Groups are too far apart.
Transitions involve uncontrolled reaching.
Several groups move on different counts.
Exit has not been planned properly.
Legality is assumed rather than checked.

Coaching Process

Build the Structure in Layers

1 Map Roles & contacts

2 Space Set positions

3 Build Individual groups

4 Connect Add braces

5 Transition Share timing

6 Exit Finish safely

Athlete Language

Coaching Cues

“Know your job.” “Own your group.” “Connection on count.” “Don't steal the load.” “Stay in your space.” “One pyramid.” “Move together.” “Finish the exit.”

Diagnostic Coaching

Common Problems & Fixes

What You See	Likely Cause	Check First	Training Direction
Bracers lean heavily	Spacing too wide	Formation marks	Move groups before changing technique.
One group carries extra load	Support responsibilities unclear	Construction map	Define primary and brace support.
Connections break	Timing or spacing inconsistent	Connection count	Drill connection separately.
Whole pyramid travels	Individual groups correcting differently	First movement	Find the first group that moves.
Transition looks chaotic	Too many undefined actions	Count map	Separate transition into phases.
Athletes collide	Spacing or pathways wrong	Floor routes	Walk transition before building.
Legality unclear	Full construction not documented	Contacts, height, release, inversion	Stop and complete rule review.

Hotshots Coaching Standard

Is the Pyramid Structure Ready?

GREEN · Ready

Every role is defined.
All individual groups are secure.
Spacing is repeatable.
Required contacts are clear.
Load changes are understood.
Transitions are counted.
Exit is planned.
Legality has been reviewed.

AMBER · Developing

Small spacing differences.
One connection needs cleaning.
Transition timing varies.
One group's role needs clarification.
Full-speed sequence inconsistent.

RED · Regress

Athletes do not know responsibilities.
Unexpected load transfers occur.
Groups collide.
Connections repeatedly fail.
Exit is uncontrolled.
Legality cannot be explained.