Load-In Foot Platform
The base platform underneath the flyer's feet during the Load-In / Smush. This is where the group first establishes accurate foot placement, balanced pressure, connected wrists, base positioning and the shared timing needed to drive the stunt vertically toward Prep.
Bases should remain underneath the load with organised wrists, elbows and shoulders. If an athlete experiences wrist, thumb, finger, elbow or shoulder pain, stop and reassess the platform, body position and group compatibility before continuing.
What Is the Load-In Foot Platform?
The combined support created underneath the flyer's feet while the stunt group is compressed in the Load-In / Smush.
The aim is not for one hand or one base to carry the entire flyer. The group should create a predictable platform beneath each foot so the flyer's weight can travel directly into the bases.
Exact hand configuration may vary depending on the coaching system and athlete anatomy, but the core principles stay the same: secure support, organised wrists, bases underneath the load and predictable foot placement.
The quality of this position often predicts the quality of the Prep above it.
Why the Platform Matters
Predictable Foot Placement
The flyer should know exactly where the feet will be received.
Share the Load
Bases work together rather than one athlete becoming the dominant support.
Build Vertically
A centred platform helps the stunt travel upward instead of forwards, backwards or sideways.
Prepare the Prep
The Load-In should already contain the alignment the group wants to preserve as the stunt rises.
Build the Platform Underneath the Load
Start Close Enough
Bases should begin in a position that allows the flyer's foot to stay over the base's own support rather than reaching away.
Stay Organised
Avoid allowing the foot to force the wrist into an unnecessarily collapsed or painful angle.
Stay Connected
Elbows should work with the body rather than drifting far outside the base's supporting structure.
Carry the Drive
The lower body generates the main upward force as the group moves from Load-In toward Prep.
The Flyer Makes the Platform Easier to Hold
Put the Foot Where It Belongs
Avoid repeatedly searching for the platform once weight has already transferred.
Stay Centred
The flyer's hips should remain organised rather than loading significantly more weight into one side.
Load with the Group
The flyer should not jump early, settle late or change body position after the bases begin driving upward.
Strong vs Weak Platform
✓ Strong
- Flyer foot arrives predictably.
- Foot remains level.
- Bases share pressure.
- Wrists remain organised.
- Bases stay underneath the foot.
- Hips and shoulders remain square.
- Group dip matches.
- Drive travels vertically.
✕ Weak
- Flyer searches for the platform.
- Foot rolls toward one edge.
- One base carries most weight.
- Wrists collapse painfully.
- Bases reach away from their body.
- One side starts lower.
- Dips happen at different times.
- Stunt travels during drive.
Platform Flow
Coaching Cues
Common Problems & Fixes
| What You See | Likely Cause | Check First | Training Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foot tilts sideways | Uneven support | Pressure beneath foot | Reset platform before loading. |
| Heel slips | Foot placement inconsistent | Initial contact | Rehearse accurate foot placement. |
| Base wrists hurt | Platform or body position poorly organised | Wrist alignment | Stop and rebuild position. |
| One base is much lower | Uneven stance or pressure | Base height | Reset group before driving. |
| Stunt moves forward | Platform begins ahead of bases | Base position | Move structure underneath the load. |
| Flyer repeatedly moves foot | Platform not predictable | Entry placement | Slow the load-in and establish target. |
| Prep twists on the way up | Uneven drive begins in Load-In | Matched pressure | Clean platform and dip first. |
Why This Foundation Matters to the Score
Judges See the Whole Skill
Stunt Technique considers execution, stability, flexibility, uniformity and synchronisation.
Poor Load-In mechanics can therefore affect the visible quality of the stunt before the final position has even hit.
Load-In Variety Has Comparative Value
Current comparative guidance includes variety of load-ins, transitions and dismounts among the considerations used when comparing stunt difficulty.
Is the Platform Ready?
GREEN · Ready
- Foot placement is predictable.
- Feet remain level.
- Bases share the load.
- No wrist pain.
- Bases remain underneath.
- Dips match.
- Drive is vertical.
- Repeatable on counts.
AMBER · Developing
- Small foot adjustment.
- Minor pressure imbalance.
- Small base height difference.
- Dip timing needs cleaning.
RED · Regress
- Pain.
- Foot repeatedly slips.
- One base carries most load.
- Wrists collapse.
- Stunt travels immediately.
- Group cannot load consistently.