Coach Bible · Chapter 08 · Stunt Grips & Base Mechanics

Cradle Catch Mechanics

A cradle is not finished when the flyer leaves the stunt. The catch is a technical skill in its own right, requiring predictable flyer shape, prepared catchers, matched timing, safe absorption and control all the way until the athlete is securely supported.

Cradle Dismount Mechanics Group Catch Force Absorption Flyer Control Comparative Technique

Skill Family Dismount / Catch

Main Goal Safe Reception

Key Quality Matched Timing

Next Guide Base Stacking

Catchers must be ready before the dismount begins. Cradle rules and required catcher structures vary by level and skill construction. Coaches must check current IASF and Event Producer rules and learn hands-on catch technique through appropriate practical coach education. Never improvise a catch after a flyer is already airborne.

Skill Definition

What Makes a Strong Cradle Catch?

A coordinated reception in which the flyer and catching group meet through a planned, controlled pathway.

The catch should not look like the flyer falls into a group of athletes who then react.

The group should already know the expected flight path, body position and timing before the dismount begins.

The flyer remains active in the air while the bases and back spot prepare to absorb the descending force together.

Catching begins before the release. Starting positions, communication and awareness determine whether the group will already be where the flyer needs them.

Catcher Mechanics

Receive as One Group

Position

Be There First

Catchers should establish the intended reception area rather than chasing the flyer after release.

Eyes

Track the Flyer

Maintain attention on the athlete and recognise unexpected changes in flight early.

Timing

Receive Together

One athlete should not make full contact substantially before the rest of the planned catching structure.

Legs

Absorb Force

The catch should use the whole body's ability to receive force rather than locking rigidly through the upper body.

Flyer Mechanics

Stay Predictable in the Air

Shape

Hold the Intended Position

Avoid sudden uncontrolled changes that make the catch path difficult to predict.

Centre

Stay Above the Group

Horizontal travel makes a clean reception substantially more difficult.

Finish

Remain Active Through Catch

Do not become completely passive the instant contact with the catching group begins.

Visual Diagnosis

Strong vs Weak Cradle Catch

✓ Strong

Catchers are positioned early.
Eyes remain on flyer.
Flyer travels predictably.
Contact happens together.
Group absorbs the catch.
Flyer remains organised.
No dramatic catcher movement.
Group finishes under control.

✕ Weak

Catchers chase the flyer.
One catcher reacts late.
Flyer travels horizontally.
Flyer opens or twists unexpectedly.
One athlete receives most of the load.
Group catches with locked posture.
Flyer bounces out of catch.
Finish is uncontrolled.

Catch Sequence

Cradle Catch Flow

1 Prepare Know dismount

2 Release Planned pathway

3 Track Eyes on flyer

4 Receive Contact together

5 Absorb Use legs

6 Finish Control secured

Athlete Language

Coaching Cues

“Catchers ready.” “Eyes on.” “Stay underneath.” “Flyer stay organised.” “Receive together.” “Absorb the catch.” “Don't chase.” “Finish under control.”

Diagnostic Coaching

Common Problems & Fixes

What You See	Likely Cause	Check First	Training Direction
Catchers move forward	Flyer travels away from centre	Dismount direction	Rebuild straight cradle pathway.
One catcher receives first	Group timing or spacing mismatch	Starting positions	Rehearse catch timing.
Flyer lands heavily	Catch not absorbing force	Catcher legs	Train controlled reception.
Flyer arches in air	Body position lost	Flyer shape	Return to basic cradle drills.
Flyer travels backwards	Release direction incorrect	Pop mechanics	Re-establish vertical release.
Group collapses after catch	Force absorption insufficient	Leg and torso position	Build catch strength and timing.
Different groups catch on different counts	Dismount timing varies	Shared count	Clean each group then synchronise.

2026–27 Comparative Scoring

Cradle Mechanics & the Score Sheet

Stunt Difficulty 15 Points

Stunt Technique 15 Points

Difficulty Factor Dismount Variety

Technique Focus Execution

Technique

The Dismount Is Part of Execution

Stability, execution, uniformity and synchronisation remain relevant through the end of the stunt sequence.

A technically strong stunt should not finish with an uncontrolled or obviously late catch.

Difficulty

Dismount Variety Is Comparative

Variety of load-ins, transitions and dismounts is one of the listed comparative stunt-difficulty considerations.

Coaches should only add greater dismount difficulty when the basic catch structure remains reliable.

Difficulty does not excuse a poor catch. A harder dismount that causes large travel, inconsistent reception or poor synchronisation may weaken the overall technical picture.

Check current dismount rules. Permitted twists, rotations, catcher requirements and starting positions differ across levels. Current governing-body and Event Producer rules always take priority.

Hotshots Coaching Standard

Is the Cradle Catch Ready?

GREEN · Ready

Catchers start correctly.
Flyer path is predictable.
Flyer remains organised.
Contact happens together.
Group absorbs force.
No pain.
No chasing.
Finish is repeatable.

AMBER · Developing

Small catcher adjustment.
Minor flyer travel.
Catch timing needs cleaning.
Group finishes slightly unevenly.
Multiple groups need synchronising.

RED · Regress

Pain.
Catchers chase flyer.
Large horizontal travel.
One catcher takes most load.
Flyer loses shape.
Group repeatedly collapses.