Coach Bible · Chapter 08 · Stunt Grips & Base Mechanics

Extension Grip

The elevated two-foot support used when a flyer reaches an extended stunt position. The fundamental platform principles remain the same as Prep, but the bases now need to preserve foot control, shoulder alignment and vertical stacking with the load positioned overhead.

Extended Position Two-Leg Platform Overhead Support Base Stacking Shoulder Control Comparative Technique

Position Extended

Supported Feet Two

Key Principle Vertical Stack

Next Guide Single-Leg Foot Grip

Do not compensate for poor stacking by leaning farther away. Extended stunts increase the consequence of poor alignment. Bases should keep the platform above their own supporting structure and regress when the group cannot maintain control without excessive wrist, shoulder or lower-back strain.

Grip Definition

What Is an Extension Grip?

The two-foot platform maintained overhead when a flyer is in an extended two-leg stunt.

The foot-support concept should feel like a continuation of the Prep platform rather than a completely different grip.

As the stunt extends, the bases organise the platform over their shoulders and body rather than pushing it away from themselves.

The flyer remains responsible for standing actively through both feet and keeping the hips centred above the platforms.

Base Mechanics

Raise the Platform — Not the Problems

Hands

Preserve Foot Support

Foot position should remain consistent as the stunt rises from Prep into Extension.

Arms

Extend as a Structure

Both sides should reach the final position together rather than one side locking early.

Shoulders

Stay Organised

Avoid allowing the load to drag the shoulders excessively forwards, backwards or sideways.

Body

Stack Under the Stunt

Feet, hips, torso and arms should combine into one supporting column beneath the flyer.

Structural Alignment

Extension Is a Stacking Skill

Base

Feet Under Hips

A stable stance gives the upper body somewhere reliable to send the load.

Platform

Hands Over Shoulders

Keeping the platform near the base's own supporting line reduces unnecessary leverage.

Flyer

Hips Over Feet

The flyer should not force the bases to compensate for a dramatic lean at the top.

Visual Diagnosis

Strong vs Weak Extension Grip

✓ Strong

Both platforms reach together.
Flyer feet remain level.
Bases stay underneath.
Arms reach a consistent position.
Shoulders remain organised.
Flyer stands through both legs.
Minimal overhead movement.
Transition back to Prep is controlled.

✕ Weak

One side extends earlier.
Platforms separate in height.
Base steps away from stunt.
Shoulder position collapses.
Wrists repeatedly re-adjust.
Flyer bends one knee.
Stunt constantly travels overhead.
Return to Prep drops suddenly.

Grip Sequence

Extension Grip Flow

1 Prep Stable start

2 Dip Match timing

3 Drive Legs first

4 Extend Platforms rise

5 Stack Under load

6 Freeze Control

Athlete Language

Coaching Cues

“Prep first.” “Legs drive.” “Both sides together.” “Platforms level.” “Stack underneath.” “Hands over shoulders.” “Flyer stand tall.” “Freeze overhead.”

Diagnostic Coaching

Common Problems & Fixes

What You See	Likely Cause	Check First	Training Direction
One side reaches first	Mismatched drive	Prep dip timing	Return to matched Prep-to-Extension drills.
Stunt sits in front	Bases pushing away	Shoulder position	Stack platform back over body.
Base arches heavily	Load behind centre	Hands over shoulders	Reduce height and rebuild alignment.
Flyer foot tilts	Platform changes during extension	Hand consistency	Preserve Prep platform during rise.
Extension shakes immediately	Prep was not centred	Starting frame	Stabilise Prep before drive.
Base steps sideways	Flyer or platform shifts centre	Hip alignment	Return to shorter overhead holds.
Return to Prep drops	Group releases tension	Controlled lowering	Train Extension-to-Prep separately.

2026–27 Comparative Scoring

Extension Grip & the Score Sheet

Stunt Technique 15 Points

Stunt Difficulty 15 Points

Technique Focus Stability

Comparative Focus Participation

Technique

Height Makes Errors Easier to See

Uneven platforms, bent arms, travelling bases and inconsistent flyer body positions become especially visible when the stunt is fully extended.

Technique scoring considers execution, stability, flexibility, uniformity and synchronisation.

Difficulty

An Extension Is Only Part of the Difficulty Picture

Comparative difficulty considers participation, degree of difficulty, minimal use of bases, transition variety, pace, additional skills and combinations across the routine.

The grip does not determine the level by itself. The legality of an extended stunt depends on the complete skill, including whether it is one-leg or two-leg, how it is entered, contacts, twisting, releases, inversions and the final dismount.

Do not pursue overhead difficulty if the platform deteriorates. A technically secure lower construction may be more useful than a harder sequence the group cannot execute consistently.

IASF Scoring Chapter → Hotshots Rules Hub →

Hotshots Coaching Standard

Is the Extension Grip Ready?

GREEN · Ready

Prep is stable first.
Both platforms rise together.
Feet remain level.
Hands remain over supporting structure.
No pain.
Flyer remains centred.
Minimal overhead movement.
Controlled return to Prep.

AMBER · Developing

Small platform height difference.
Minor base foot movement.
Short overhead hold only.
Return to Prep needs cleaning.

RED · Regress

Pain.
One arm cannot extend securely.
Stunt travels significantly.
Base must lean heavily to hold.
Flyer cannot remain centred.
Return is uncontrolled.