Chair
A Prep-level stunt in which the flyer is supported beneath the glutes and at the ankle, with the supported leg positioned vertically underneath the flyer's torso. The skill develops unusual load distribution, flyer posture and strong communication between the base and top person.
A Chair has a defined support relationship. Coaches should not allow the stunt to drift into improvised holding positions. The flyer and base must know exactly where support will be provided before loading the stunt.
What Is a Chair?
A Prep-level stunt where the base or bases support the flyer at the ankle and beneath the glutes, with the supported leg vertical beneath the flyer's torso.
The position creates a seated-style appearance, but the flyer must still remain actively organised rather than collapsing into the support.
The base must create predictable support at both contact points and remain underneath the stunt.
Create Support in Two Places
Control the Lower Support
Maintain stable and predictable support at the flyer's ankle.
Support Beneath Glutes
The second support point helps establish the seated-style position.
Drive from the Floor
Use lower-body strength rather than relying entirely on arms.
Stay Underneath
Avoid leaning dramatically away from the flyer's centre.
Sit into Structure — Not Collapse
Stay Vertical
Keep the supported leg organised beneath the torso.
Stay Predictable
Avoid sliding or twisting away from the base's support.
Remain Active
The flyer should support their own posture.
Present Upward
Maintain performance posture rather than folding forward.
Strong vs Weak Chair
✓ Strong Structure
- Supported leg remains vertically organised.
- Base supports the correct areas.
- Flyer hips remain controlled.
- Flyer maintains active posture.
- Chest remains lifted.
- Base remains underneath.
- Stunt can hold without large movement.
- Entry and exit are controlled.
✕ Weak Structure
- Supported leg angles away.
- Flyer slides through support.
- Base leans dramatically.
- Flyer collapses into base.
- Chest folds.
- Support position changes repeatedly.
- Stunt twists unexpectedly.
- Exit is improvised.
Chair Flow
Progression Framework
Teach flyer posture and supported-leg orientation.
Understand the two intended support points.
Establish predictable weight transfer.
Prioritise stability before choreography.
Make the entire sequence repeatable.
Add motions only when body position remains stable.
Use the Chair within legal transition choreography.
Development Drills
Chair Shape Hold
Rehearse the intended body position at floor level.
Support Position Rehearsal
Learn the planned contact points before adding load.
Load → Freeze
Diagnose structure at the first stable position.
Front-View Video
Check lateral lean and supported-leg alignment.
Side-View Video
Check base posture and flyer's torso position.
Entry / Exit Counts
Rehearse exactly when the stunt loads and finishes.
Short Coaching Cues
Common Problems & Fixes
| What You See | Likely Cause | Check First | Training Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flyer slides | Support position or body control inconsistent | Contact points | Return to low controlled loading. |
| Supported leg angles outward | Flyer position not organised | Leg under torso | Rehearse body shape on floor. |
| Base leans away | Load not stacked over base | Base footwork | Reduce height and reset position. |
| Flyer collapses into support | Core and posture inactive | Flyer torso | Reinforce active body control. |
| Stunt rotates | Uneven load distribution | Hip position | Re-centre the flyer. |
| Exit looks uncontrolled | Finish not planned | Dismount counts | Rehearse the exit separately. |
IASF Chair Context
Make the Position Deliberate
Execution, stability, uniformity and synchronisation still matter even when the stunt itself is primarily used for visual variety.
Consider the Sequence Around It
A Chair may be most valuable as part of a creative transition or combination rather than as an isolated hold.
Is the Chair Competition Ready?
GREEN · Ready
- Pain-free.
- Correct support points understood.
- Supported leg stays organised.
- Flyer posture remains active.
- Base remains underneath.
- Minimal movement.
- Entry is predictable.
- Exit is controlled.
AMBER · Developing
- Small posture adjustment.
- Short stable hold.
- Minor base movement.
- Entry needs cleaning.
- Exit timing inconsistent.
RED · Regress
- Pain.
- Flyer slides through support.
- Supported leg cannot remain organised.
- Base cannot maintain structure.
- Large stunt movement.
- Unplanned exit.