Coach Bible · Chapter 08 · Stunt Grips & Base Mechanics

Base Footwork

The positioning and movement of a base's feet before, during and after a stunt. Strong footwork places the athlete underneath the load early, creates a stable platform for force production and allows controlled corrections without frantic stepping.

Base Fundamentals Positioning Stability Movement Recovery Comparative Technique

Foundation Stable Stance

Primary Goal Stay Under Load

Correction Style Small & Controlled

Next Guide Matched Dip Timing

A base should move to protect the stunt when necessary — but constant chasing is a technical warning.

Athletes should never be coached to keep their feet completely fixed if the stunt is genuinely travelling. The goal is to begin in a strong position, make the smallest effective correction and diagnose why repeated movement is required.

Base Definition

What Is Good Base Footwork?

Starting in a position that places the athlete underneath the expected load, then moving only as much as necessary to maintain safe support.

Good base footwork starts before the stunt leaves the ground. Poor starting positions often force athletes into large corrections later.

Bases should be able to adjust when necessary without crossing their feet, losing balance or turning away from the stunt.

Footwork and base stacking are closely linked: every step changes the supporting column underneath the flyer.

Start where you need to finish. When possible, organise the group so that the bases do not need a major step simply to reach the intended stunt position.

Starting Position

Build Stability Before the Load

Width

Stable, Not Excessive

The stance should provide balance without becoming so wide that the base cannot use the legs efficiently.

Direction

Face the Work

Feet and torso should allow the base to apply force toward the intended stunt pathway.

Distance

Stay Close Enough

Starting too far away creates reaching and makes stacking more difficult.

Balance

Own the Floor

Weight should be controlled through the whole foot rather than relying on a precarious forward or backward lean.

Corrections

Move the Smallest Amount Necessary

Small Error

Small Correction

Avoid turning a minor flyer balance change into a major group movement.

Travelling Stunt

Follow Safely

If a stunt genuinely moves outside the base's support, move underneath rather than attempting to hold from a dangerous reach.

Repeated Travel

Diagnose the Cause

Consistent stepping indicates a problem with flyer centre, platform pressure, timing, entry direction or group setup.

Visual Diagnosis

Strong vs Weak Base Footwork

✓ Strong

Stable starting stance.
Base begins close to load.
Feet remain organised.
Corrections are small.
Base moves underneath travelling stunt.
No unnecessary crossing of feet.
Body remains facing the stunt.
Position is repeatable.

✕ Weak

Base begins too far away.
Feet shuffle continuously.
Large step after every transition.
Feet cross under load.
Base rotates away from flyer.
Stance becomes excessively narrow.
Upper body reaches while feet stay behind.
No diagnosis of repeated movement.

Base Sequence

Footwork Flow

1 Set Stable stance

2 Load Stay underneath

3 Drive Push through floor

4 Read Track centre

5 Adjust Small correction

6 Reset Finish balanced

Athlete Language

Coaching Cues

“Own the floor.” “Start underneath.” “Feet organised.” “Small step.” “Move under it.” “Don't chase.” “Face the flyer.” “Reset your stance.”

Diagnostic Coaching

Common Problems & Fixes

What You See	Likely Cause	Check First	Training Direction
Base steps forward every load	Starting too far away	Initial setup	Move starting position closer.
Base constantly shuffles	Load centre unstable	Flyer and platform	Fix cause rather than chasing symptom.
Feet cross during transition	Correction too large	Step size	Rehearse controlled lateral movement.
Base falls onto toes	Stunt too far forward	Platform position	Re-centre load.
Base leans but does not move	Trying to save stunt with upper body	Support line	Move safely underneath.
One base moves more than the other	Uneven pressure or flyer centre	Platform symmetry	Clean stunt before adding movement.
Formation drifts across floor	Repeated uncorrected footwork pattern	Starting marks	Video and map movement over counts.

2026–27 Published Comparative Context

Footwork & Stunt Scoring

Stunt Technique 15 Points

Stunt Difficulty 15 Points

Technique Focus Stability

Technique Focus Uniformity

Technique

Footwork Is Visible Execution

Bases taking repeated rescue steps, crossing feet or travelling differently between groups can affect the overall appearance of stability, execution and uniformity.

Difficulty

More Complexity Requires Better Footwork

Increased transition variety, pace and combinations require bases to reposition efficiently without sacrificing control.

Movement can be intentional. A planned travelling transition is different from a base repeatedly stepping because the group has lost control.

Current rules always take priority. Footwork does not change the legality of the complete stunt. Check current IASF and Event Producer requirements for the skill being performed.

Hotshots Coaching Standard

Is the Base Footwork Ready?

GREEN · Ready

Stable starting position.
No pain.
Minimal unnecessary movement.
Small controlled corrections.
Base remains facing stunt.
No repeated crossing of feet.
Can reposition safely.
Returns to balanced finish.

AMBER · Developing

Occasional extra step.
Small stance inconsistency.
Transition position varies slightly.
Needs clearer floor markers.
Fatigue increases movement.

RED · Regress

Pain.
Continuous chasing.
Feet repeatedly cross under load.
Base loses balance.
Large uncontrolled steps.
Cannot stay underneath stunt.