Coach Bible · Chapter 08 · Stunt Grips & Base Mechanics

Basket Toss Grip

The connected loading platform used by a basket toss group before the flyer leaves contact with the bases. The grip is only one part of a successful toss: matching dip timing, vertical leg drive, flyer loading, group spacing and a prepared catch all need to operate as one system.

Toss Foundation Group Timing Connected Platform Vertical Drive Catch Preparation IASF Toss Scoring

Skill Family Toss

Main Goal Matched Drive

Direction Vertical

Next Guide Back Spot Load Assistance

Basket tosses require practical coach education, suitable surfaces and correctly prepared catchers. Written guidance cannot replace practical instruction for basket grip configuration, athlete positioning, spotting or catch mechanics. Do not progress a toss because the group can generate height if loading, direction or catch control is inconsistent.

Grip Definition

What Is a Basket Toss Grip?

The connected hand platform used to receive the flyer's feet during the load phase of a basket toss.

The purpose of the grip is to create one coordinated platform through which the group can apply force at the same time.

The platform should remain close enough to the athletes' supporting structure that the group can use the legs rather than attempting to throw primarily with the arms.

Exact hand configuration should be learned practically through recognised coach education rather than copied from written description alone.

Height begins in the floor, not the hands. The basket grip transfers force. The group still needs matched lower-body timing and a coordinated vertical drive.

Toss Mechanics

Build One Shared Platform

Connection

One Platform

The group should behave like one connected system rather than several athletes lifting independently.

Dip

Match the Timing

If one athlete finishes the dip early, the platform becomes uneven before the throw begins.

Drive

Send Force Up

The group should aim to create vertical lift rather than throwing the flyer forwards or backwards.

Catch

Prepare Before Release

The catch is part of the skill and should be understood before the group ever initiates the toss.

Group Responsibilities

Every Athlete Changes the Toss

Bases

Match the Platform

Set consistent spacing.
Maintain connection.
Dip together.
Drive vertically.
Transition immediately to catch responsibility.

Flyer

Load Predictably

Place feet accurately.
Do not jump before the group.
Stay organised through the load.
Follow the intended toss timing.
Prepare for the planned catch.

Back Spot

Connect Timing & Safety

Follow the group's shared count.
Support legal load mechanics.
Maintain awareness of the flyer's path.
Transition into the planned catch.
Communicate problems immediately.

Visual Diagnosis

Strong vs Weak Basket Loading

✓ Strong

Platform begins centred.
Flyer feet load predictably.
Group dip matches.
Legs generate the drive.
Release travels vertically.
Flyer remains centred above group.
Catchers transition immediately.
Multiple groups toss on matched counts.

✕ Weak

Grip is still changing during load.
Flyer jumps early.
One base dips first.
Group throws mainly with arms.
Toss travels forward or backward.
Flyer leaves from an uneven platform.
Catchers react late.
Different groups release at different times.

Toss Sequence

Basket Grip Flow

1 Set Spacing ready

2 Load Feet placed

3 Dip Group together

4 Drive Vertical power

5 Release Centred path

6 Catch Finish safely

Athlete Language

Coaching Cues

“One platform.” “Load together.” “Same dip.” “Legs first.” “Straight up.” “Stay underneath.” “Eyes on the flyer.” “Finish the catch.”

Diagnostic Coaching

Common Problems & Fixes

What You See	Likely Cause	Check First	Training Direction
Flyer travels forward	Drive not vertical	Starting centre	Return to straight-ride mechanics.
One side releases early	Dip timing mismatch	Group counts	Rehearse load and dip without toss.
Flyer feels no height	Leg drive insufficient or mistimed	Lower-body action	Train coordinated vertical extension.
Grip changes during load	Setup not established	Starting platform	Reset before flyer enters.
Flyer jumps early	Timing misunderstanding	Shared count	Rehearse controlled loading.
Toss drifts sideways	Asymmetric force	Base timing	Clean the launch before adding skills.
Catchers move late	Catch not treated as part of skill	Post-release responsibility	Drill catch preparation separately.
Different groups hit different heights	Timing or power varies	Load and dip synchronisation	Clean groups individually before synchronising.

2026–27 Comparative Scoring

Basket Mechanics & Toss Scoring

Toss Technique 2 Points

Toss Difficulty 2 Points

Difficulty Factor Participation

Difficulty Factor Height

Technique

The Load Affects the Entire Toss

Toss technique considers execution, flexibility, uniformity and synchronisation.

Uneven loading and mismatched timing can therefore affect the quality of the toss before the airborne skill even begins.

Difficulty

Height Is Only One Comparative Factor

Comparative toss difficulty also considers degree of difficulty, team participation, variety and additional tosses.

More height is useful only when the toss remains controlled, legal and technically consistent.

Majority participation matters. Current comparative scoring uses athlete-count-based majority requirements when determining the higher toss-difficulty range.

Straight rides remain important. A strong straight toss develops the height, timing, centre and catch mechanics needed before harder airborne skills are added.

Legality changes with level. Check the current IASF legality rules for permitted toss types, rotations, body positions and catch requirements before adding a skill.

IASF Scoring Chapter → Hotshots Rules Hub →

Hotshots Coaching Standard

Is the Basket Grip Ready?

GREEN · Ready

Platform is consistent.
Flyer loads predictably.
Group dip matches.
Drive is vertical.
Flyer remains centred.
Catch responsibilities are clear.
No pain.
Straight ride is repeatable.

AMBER · Developing

Small timing mismatch.
Minor toss travel.
Height varies between attempts.
Catch needs cleaning.
Multiple groups not yet matched.

RED · Regress

Pain.
Flyer cannot load consistently.
Large horizontal travel.
One side releases significantly early.
Catchers are not prepared.
Group cannot repeat a controlled straight ride.