Cupie / Awesome
A two-foot stunt where the flyer stands upright with both feet together in the supporting hand or hands of the base or bases. The skill challenges platform accuracy, flyer stacking and base control because the two feet are brought together onto a compact support area.
Do not decide legality simply because the stunt is called a Cupie. Check whether it is Prep-level or extended, how many bases are providing primary support, the age division, required spotters and the entry or transition being used.
What Is a Cupie?
An upright stunt where both of the flyer's feet are together in the supporting hand or hands of the base or bases.
Cupie and Awesome are commonly used interchangeably.
Because both feet are presented together, the flyer must remain highly organised through the ankles, knees, hips and trunk while the base creates a compact and predictable platform.
The stunt can appear in different constructions and heights, so legality must always be assessed from the complete stunt.
Create One Predictable Platform
Stable Platform
The support underneath both feet should remain consistent and organised.
Stay Strong
Avoid allowing the platform to collapse dramatically under the flyer's weight.
Stack Under Load
Where appropriate, align the support beneath the stunt rather than pressing from an unstable angle.
Stay Underneath
Base footwork should support the stunt rather than chase it continuously.
Stand Through Both Feet
Together & Active
Maintain consistent pressure through the supporting platform.
Stay Controlled
Avoid allowing the feet to roll away from the platform.
Stay Stacked
Keep the pelvis centred over the compact base of support.
Stay Tall
Maintain a clean vertical line through the torso.
Strong vs Weak Cupie
✓ Strong Structure
- Feet remain together.
- Ankles stay controlled.
- Knees stay organised.
- Flyer hips remain centred.
- Chest stays upright.
- Platform remains stable.
- Base remains underneath.
- Multiple groups hit simultaneously.
✕ Weak Structure
- Feet separate unexpectedly.
- Ankles roll.
- Flyer bends significantly at hips.
- Base platform changes angle.
- Base chases the stunt.
- Flyer leans forward or backward.
- Stunt cannot freeze.
- Groups hit different heights or counts.
Cupie Flow
Progression Framework
Teach the flyer to keep both feet and ankles organised.
Ensure normal two-leg stunt mechanics are strong first.
Teach precise foot placement.
Develop body alignment before height.
Build repeatable platform and flyer control.
Progress only when division, construction and rules permit.
Add legal entries, transitions and exits.
Development Drills
Feet-Together Holds
Train ankle and leg control with feet pressed together.
Platform Holds
Rehearse strong wrist and hand position using safe training progressions.
Load → Freeze
Check foot placement before adding height.
Front-View Video
Compare vertical alignment and platform angle.
Side-View Video
Check whether the flyer remains stacked over support.
Matched Hit
Synchronise load, rise, hit and finish across groups.
Short Coaching Cues
Common Problems & Fixes
| What You See | Likely Cause | Check First | Training Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feet separate | Flyer leg tension inconsistent | Feet and ankles | Return to two-foot body-control drills. |
| Platform tilts | Base wrist or hand position changes | Platform | Rebuild at lower height. |
| Flyer tips forward | Weight not centred over platform | Hips | Re-centre before increasing height. |
| Base chases stunt | Flyer centre or base footwork unstable | First movement | Reduce progression and rebuild. |
| Stunt rotates | Uneven pressure through feet/platform | Foot contact | Check alignment before lift. |
| Groups hit different heights | Dip and drive timing inconsistent | Counts | Rehearse timing without full stunt. |
IASF Cupie Context
Keep the Stunt Visually Quiet
Platform instability, ankle movement, base travel and inconsistent timing all affect the comparative technique presentation.
Construction Changes the Picture
Height, base use, participation, entries, transitions, combinations and overall pace influence how the complete stunt section compares.
Is the Cupie Competition Ready?
GREEN · Ready
- Feet stay together.
- Ankles remain controlled.
- Flyer remains vertically stacked.
- Platform stays stable.
- Base remains underneath.
- Required spotter is in place.
- Construction is legal for the division.
- Skill is repeatable.
AMBER · Developing
- Small ankle movement.
- Minor platform change.
- Short stable hold.
- Small base adjustment.
- Timing requires cleaning.
RED · Regress
- Feet separate repeatedly.
- Platform collapses.
- Large flyer lean.
- Continuous base movement.
- Illegal age/construction combination.
- Pain or significant fear.