Prep Grip
The two-leg foot platform used to support a flyer at Prep level. A strong Prep Grip keeps the flyer centred above the bases while allowing the group to absorb, stabilise and redirect force through the legs rather than relying on arms and wrists alone.
What Is a Prep Grip?
A stable base platform supporting the flyer's feet at Prep level.
The bases support each foot while keeping the load close enough to their own bodies to use skeletal alignment and leg strength effectively.
The feet should remain level and predictable rather than rolling toward an edge of the platform.
Exact hand orientation may differ slightly between athletes and recognised coaching systems, but secure foot support, neutral joint positions and balanced pressure remain the priority.
Stack the Platform Over the Body
Support the Foot
Create as stable and predictable a platform as practical for the athlete's foot.
Avoid Collapse
Do not allow the foot to force the wrist into a painful or excessively compromised angle.
Stay Underneath
Elbows should remain part of the supporting column instead of drifting excessively away from the torso.
Do the Heavy Work
Legs absorb dips and generate upward force while the upper body maintains the platform.
Everyone Affects the Grip
Build a Level Platform
- Stay close to the stunt.
- Keep feet stable.
- Match platform height.
- Use legs during dips.
- Avoid unnecessary arm movement.
Stand Through the Feet
- Keep both legs active.
- Centre hips above support.
- Avoid rolling ankles.
- Do not shift weight unnecessarily.
- Maintain posture.
Support the Structure
- Stay connected to the stunt.
- Follow shared timing.
- Help maintain vertical direction.
- Observe flyer hip position.
- Communicate problems early.
Strong vs Weak Prep Grip
✓ Strong
- Both feet remain level.
- Platforms match height.
- Flyer hips remain centred.
- Bases stay under the load.
- Wrists remain comfortable.
- Minimal unnecessary movement.
- Dips happen together.
- Stunt rebounds vertically.
✕ Weak
- One foot visibly higher.
- Flyer ankle rolls.
- Bases stand too far away.
- One wrist bears excessive pressure.
- Elbows drift outside support.
- Group constantly repositions hands.
- Dips are mismatched.
- Stunt travels on every transition.
Prep Grip Flow
Coaching Cues
Common Problems & Fixes
| What You See | Likely Cause | Check First | Training Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| One foot higher | Platforms at different levels | Base posture | Reset base heights. |
| Flyer ankle rolls | Platform tilting | Foot support | Rebuild level platform. |
| Prep sits forward | Bases behind load | Base foot position | Move bases underneath. |
| Wrists painful | Grip or stacking compromised | Joint alignment | Stop and reset. |
| Prep shakes continuously | Flyer centre or platform inconsistent | Hips over feet | Short stable holds. |
| Stunt drops during dip | Bases collapse upper body | Leg-led dip | Rehearse matched dip mechanics. |
| Extension travels from Prep | Prep not centred before drive | Starting frame | Freeze Prep before progressing. |
Prep Grip & the Score Sheet
Stable Platforms Improve Everything Above Them
Execution, stability, uniformity and synchronisation all become easier to demonstrate when Prep positions are level and repeatable.
Prep Can Be Part of More Difficult Sequences
Comparative difficulty is cumulative, so the value comes from how the Prep is used within load-ins, transitions, combinations and the complete stunt section.
Is the Prep Grip Ready?
GREEN · Ready
- Feet remain level.
- Platforms match.
- Flyer remains centred.
- No pain.
- Bases stay underneath.
- Minimal hand adjustment.
- Matched dip and drive.
- Repeatable on counts.
AMBER · Developing
- Minor platform mismatch.
- Small flyer lean.
- Occasional hand adjustment.
- Dip timing needs cleaning.
RED · Regress
- Pain.
- Feet repeatedly tilt.
- Bases cannot remain underneath.
- Flyer continually shifts weight.
- Prep collapses under movement.