Coach Bible · Chapter 09 · Pyramids, Tosses & Dismounts

Straight Cradle

The core cradle dismount foundation. The stunt group creates a controlled release from the supported position, the flyer remains organised through the transition and the group receives the athlete together. More advanced dismounts should be built on a cradle that is already predictable and technically consistent.

Dismount Foundation Cradle Release Timing Catch Mechanics Flyer Control Rules Dependent

Skill Family Dismount

Primary Goal Predictable Catch

Main Focus Group Timing

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A cradle is a coordinated dismount, not a flyer falling into waiting arms. The group must know the release pathway, catcher responsibilities and required positions before attempting the dismount. Current rules should always be checked for the team's exact level, starting position and construction.

Dismount Definition

What Is a Straight Cradle?

A controlled release dismount in which the flyer transitions from the stunt into a supported cradle catch.

The stunt group should initiate the dismount together rather than one base beginning ahead of the others.

The flyer stays active and predictable during the release and does not simply collapse into the group.

Catchers receive the athlete together and absorb the landing while maintaining control of the group.

The catch begins before contact. Good catch mechanics come from preparation, positioning and shared timing rather than reacting after the flyer has already begun to descend.

Group Mechanics

Release Together, Receive Together

Set

Start Stable

The stunt should be controlled before the dismount begins.

Dip

Match Timing

The group should share one rhythm rather than dipping at different times.

Release

Guide the Pathway

Keep the flyer travelling into the planned catching area.

Catch

Absorb Together

Receive the flyer with coordinated timing rather than one athlete taking the full load.

Top Person Mechanics

Stay Active Through the Dismount

Release

Stay Organised

Avoid immediately collapsing or changing shape as soon as support leaves the stunt.

Descent

Remain Predictable

The flyer should continue travelling toward the planned catch rather than reaching or twisting unexpectedly.

Catch

Finish the Skill

Maintain body control until the group has completed the reception and stabilised.

Visual Diagnosis

Strong vs Weak Straight Cradle

✓ Strong

Stunt is stable before release.
Group dips together.
Release is centred.
Flyer remains organised.
Catchers are ready early.
Flyer enters planned catch area.
Load is shared.
Group stabilises the finish.

✕ Weak

Dismount begins from a wobble.
Bases dip on different counts.
Release travels sideways.
Flyer collapses immediately.
Flyer reaches for one catcher.
One base takes most of the catch.
Catch happens low or late.
Group loses balance after reception.

Dismount Sequence

Straight Cradle Flow

1 Stabilise Own the stunt

2 Dip Shared rhythm

3 Release Controlled pathway

4 Travel Stay centred

5 Receive Catch together

6 Finish Stabilise

Athlete Language

Coaching Cues

“Stable first.” “One dip.” “Release together.” “Stay in the middle.” “Flyer stays active.” “Hands ready.” “Catch together.” “Finish the cradle.”

Diagnostic Coaching

Common Problems & Fixes

What You See	Likely Cause	Check First	Training Direction
Flyer travels sideways	Uneven group release	Dip and release timing	Clean shared timing.
Flyer drops immediately	Little controlled release pathway	Group mechanics	Regress and rebuild dismount timing.
Flyer folds too early	Anticipating reception	Top-person body control	Maintain organised descent.
Catchers reach late	Preparation begins too late	Catch readiness	Prepare before contact.
One base catches most weight	Uneven positions or timing	Group spacing	Re-establish shared receiving area.
Group falls after catch	Reception not absorbed together	Base stance	Train finish and recovery.
Cradle varies every repetition	Starting stunt or timing inconsistent	First movement	Standardise the sequence.

Hotshots Coaching Standard

Is the Straight Cradle Ready?

GREEN · Ready

Starting stunt is stable.
Group timing is shared.
Release remains centred.
Flyer stays active.
Catchers prepare early.
Load is shared.
Finish is controlled.
Current legality confirmed.

AMBER · Developing

Minor sideways travel.
Flyer anticipates catch.
One catcher is slightly late.
Finish needs greater stability.
Routine-speed cradle varies.

RED · Regress

Starting stunt is unstable.
Release is unpredictable.
Flyer collapses.
Catchers chase.
One athlete carries the catch.
Group cannot stabilise safely.