Extension
A two-leg stunt held above Prep level with the bases' arms extended. The aim is not simply to push a Prep higher: the entire group must remain vertically stacked so the flyer, platforms and bases stay organised over the stunt's centre.
What Is an Extension?
A supported two-leg stunt held above Prep level.
In a conventional multi-based Extension, the flyer's feet remain supported while the bases finish with their supporting arms extended above their heads. The flyer remains stacked over the platforms rather than simply being pushed upward and then rescued once the stunt arrives.
Prerequisites
Do not use Extension as the place where athletes learn basic stunt control.
Stable Prep
Group can hit, hold and lower a Prep without chasing or collapsing.
Body Control
Flyer can keep ankles, knees, hips and torso organised while elevated.
Strong Stack
Bases can support the Prep from underneath rather than relying only on arm strength.
Matched Timing
Back spot works with the bases and understands the intended pathway.
Controlled Return
The group can safely return from higher positions through its trained technique.
Predictable Repetitions
Flyer and bases are confident at Prep before increasing height.
Technical Priorities
Base Feet
Remain stable and beneath the load rather than stepping away from centre.
Base Hips
Stay organised under the shoulders and platforms.
Platforms
Remain level as height increases.
Flyer Hips
Stay above the feet without sitting or arching away.
Role Responsibilities
Bases
- Maintain stable feet.
- Match dip and drive.
- Keep platforms level.
- Finish underneath the load.
- Avoid excessive arching or leaning.
Back Spot
- Stay connected to group timing.
- Support the vertical pathway.
- Watch the flyer's centre.
- React early to instability.
Flyer
- Stand actively through the feet.
- Keep hips over platforms.
- Maintain a tall torso.
- Avoid large upper-body corrections.
Prep → Extension Flow
Development Drills
Prep Hold
Quality Prep holds before any attempt to increase height.
Prep Dip Timing
Rehearse matched group dip and recovery without progressing higher.
Extension Shape on Ground
Flyer practises the expected stacked body line without elevation.
Base Stack Check
Use side-view video to compare ankles, hips, shoulders and platforms.
Short Extension Holds
Build quality duration gradually rather than surviving long attempts.
Multi-Group Cleaning
Match dip, rise, hit height and finish across stunt groups.
Extension Troubleshooting
| What You See | Check First | Likely Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Extension drifts forward | Flyer hips and base torso | Rebuild vertical stack from Prep. |
| One platform lower | Base timing and flyer weight | Match both sides before increasing duration. |
| Bases arch heavily | Hips and ribs | Bring load back over the body. |
| Flyer bends knees | Ankle and hip control | Reduce height/duration and rebuild balance. |
| Stunt shakes continuously | First correction | Stop athletes chasing each other's movement. |
| Extension feels extremely heavy | Timing and stack | Check mechanics before assuming strength deficit. |
| Pain or repeated collapse | Stop | Regress and follow injury/safety procedure. |
Safety
Suitable Surface
Train elevated stunts only in an appropriate cheer environment.
Appropriate Spotting
Use current rules and qualified practical coaching for spotting requirements.
No Improvised Progressions
Do not turn a struggling Extension into an unplanned release or transition.
IASF Rules Context
Passing Through Only
A Level 1 two-leg stunt may immediately pass through an extended position, but the legal held position remains Prep level.
Held Two-Leg Extension
Level 2 permits two-leg stunts above Prep level, subject to all other stunt, transition and spotting requirements.
Competition-Ready Test
GREEN
- Stable Prep.
- Matched rise.
- Level platforms.
- Flyer centred.
- Minimal base movement.
- Controlled finish.
AMBER
- Small adjustments.
- Limited hold time.
- Occasional uneven platform.
- Minor flyer overcorrection.
RED
- Pain.
- Repeated collapse.
- Large base steps.
- Flyer cannot stay centred.
- Unsafe return.