Coach Bible · Chapter 08 · Stunt Grips & Base Mechanics

Matched Dip Timing

The shared rhythm that allows a stunt group to absorb and produce force together. When bases, back spot and flyer dip at different times, the stunt begins with uneven pressure. When they move as one unit, the same athletes can create significantly greater control, height and consistency.

Group Timing Force Production Dip Drive Synchronisation Technique

Key Principle Move Together

Power Source Legs

Main Error Early / Late Drive

Chapter Status 08 Complete

More dip is not automatically more power. An excessively deep dip can slow the group, change body position and make timing harder to match. Use an appropriate range that the entire group can control while maintaining joint alignment and the intended stunt pathway.

Timing Definition

What Is a Matched Dip?

A coordinated lowering and upward drive in which the stunt group changes direction together.

The important moment is not merely when each athlete starts to bend the legs. It is when the group reaches the bottom of the dip and reverses direction.

If one athlete begins driving upward while another is still travelling downward, the platform becomes uneven and some of the group's available force is cancelled out.

A matched dip gives the stunt one rhythm and one direction.

Listen to the stunt. A well-matched group often sounds different because the athletes' feet, movement and effort happen together rather than as several separate actions.

Mechanics

Match the Bottom — Then Match the Drive

Start

Same Count

Everyone understands exactly when the transition begins.

Down

Same Rhythm

Avoid one athlete dropping rapidly while another lowers slowly.

Bottom

Change Direction Together

The lowest point should happen as one shared moment rather than a sequence.

Drive

Finish Together

The group extends through the intended pathway without one athlete finishing significantly earlier.

Group Responsibilities

Everyone Owns the Timing

Bases

Match Depth & Direction

Dip together.
Keep platforms level.
Use the legs.
Drive vertically.
Finish at the same time.

Flyer

Stay with the Group

Do not anticipate early.
Maintain body tension.
Follow the group's rhythm.
Stand through the drive.
Avoid changing centre unexpectedly.

Back Spot

Complete the Rhythm

Follow the same count.
Do not lift before bases.
Assist vertical direction.
Stay connected through transition.
Communicate timing clearly.

Visual Diagnosis

Strong vs Weak Dip Timing

✓ Strong

Entire group starts together.
Dip depth is compatible.
Platforms remain level.
Bottom occurs together.
Drive begins together.
Stunt travels vertically.
Flyer remains centred.
Multiple groups match counts.

✕ Weak

One athlete moves early.
Dip depths are dramatically different.
Platform tilts during dip.
Back spot lifts early.
Flyer jumps before group.
One base locks before another.
Stunt travels sideways.
Groups hit on different counts.

Shared Rhythm

Dip Timing Flow

1 Count Everyone ready

2 Dip Travel down

3 Bottom Shared moment

4 Reverse Together

5 Drive Leg power

6 Finish Hit together

Athlete Language

Coaching Cues

“One dip.” “Same bottom.” “Wait for the group.” “Legs together.” “Change direction together.” “Drive up.” “Same finish.” “One stunt group.”

Diagnostic Coaching

Common Problems & Fixes

What You See	Likely Cause	Check First	Training Direction
One side rises first	Bottom of dip mismatched	Base timing	Rehearse dip without stunt transition.
Flyer jumps early	Anticipation	Shared count	Slow load and reinforce waiting.
Back spot lifts first	Trying to create power independently	Group rhythm	Move with bases.
Stunt travels forward	Dip or drive not vertical	Body position	Rebuild stacked dip.
One base dips much deeper	Different movement strategy	Dip depth	Agree usable shared range.
Stunt loses height	Force produced at different times	Direction reversal	Match bottom and drive.
Groups hit on different counts	Internal group rhythms differ	Music counts	Drill all groups together.

2026–27 Published Comparative Context

Timing & the Score Sheet

Stunt Technique 15 Points

Stunt Difficulty 15 Points

Technique Focus Synchronisation

Technique Focus Uniformity

Technique

Synchronisation Starts Before the Hit

If several stunt groups dip, drive or lock at different moments, the lack of synchronisation is visible even if they eventually arrive in the same final position.

Difficulty

Pace Needs Timing

Faster sequences and combinations become useful difficulty only when athletes can preserve clean group rhythm.

Slow enough to learn. Fast enough only when ready. Develop timing at a speed the group can understand before asking athletes to perform the transition at full routine pace.

Current rules always take priority. Timing quality does not affect whether a skill is legally permitted. Check the complete stunt separately against current rules.

Hotshots Coaching Standard

Is the Dip Timing Ready?

GREEN · Ready

Shared starting count.
Compatible dip depth.
Bottom happens together.
Drive begins together.
Flyer stays with group.
Stunt travels vertically.
Groups hit same count.
Timing survives routine pace.

AMBER · Developing

Small timing difference.
One athlete occasionally anticipates.
Timing changes under fatigue.
Groups need more synchronisation.
Full-speed version inconsistent.

RED · Regress

Large timing mismatch.
Flyer repeatedly jumps early.
One base drives before another.
Stunt becomes unstable during dip.
Direction changes unpredictably.
Group cannot reproduce timing.