T-Lift
A low-level lift used to create a clear visual line while teaching bases to coordinate support and the flyer to maintain strong horizontal arm and body placement. T-Lifts can be useful for developing early lift confidence and creating choreography without relying on height alone.
What Is a T-Lift?
A supported lift presenting the flyer in a clear T-style visual shape.
It is useful for teaching lift timing, body presentation, weight sharing and controlled elevation.
The exact construction may vary, so the current legality rules must be applied to the version being performed.
Build One Clean Picture
Chest Lifted
Presentation starts through posture, not just the arms.
Strong T Line
Maintain straight, matched arms without lifted shoulders.
Match Height
Support should remain symmetrical and predictable.
One Shared Lift
Avoid different bases initiating the movement separately.
Strong vs Weak T-Lift
✓ Strong
- Flyer remains centred.
- Chest remains lifted.
- Arms create one clear line.
- Bases match height.
- Lift hits quickly.
- Position can freeze.
- Exit is controlled.
✕ Weak
- Flyer folds forward.
- Arms are uneven.
- Bases lift at different times.
- Group travels.
- Flyer searches for balance.
- Exit looks improvised.
T-Lift Flow
Useful Cues
Count-Only Rehearsal
Practise load, hit and finish timing without lifting.
Low Lift Freeze
Build stability before adding choreography.
Front-View Video
Check arm level, body centre and base symmetry.
Common Problems & Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Check | Training Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uneven lift | Base timing differs | Dip and drive | Return to count-only rehearsal. |
| Flyer folds | Body tension lost | Core / chest | Reduce height and rebuild. |
| Arms uneven | Flyer focusing only on balance | Shoulder line | Clean position on floor first. |
| Group travels | Initial load off centre | Setup | Correct the first frame. |
IASF Scoring Context
Make Simple Skills Excellent
A T-Lift may not be the hardest stunt in a routine, but poor timing, unstable bases or inconsistent body lines still affect the comparative technique impression.
Use It With Purpose
Low-level lifts can provide visual level changes and transition variety without wasting athletes or counts.
Is the T-Lift Ready?
GREEN · Ready
- Matched lift timing.
- Flyer remains centred.
- Strong T line.
- No unnecessary travel.
- Position freezes.
- Controlled exit.
AMBER · Developing
- Minor height difference.
- Small flyer adjustment.
- Arms need cleaning.
- Exit needs work.
RED · Regress
- Large base timing difference.
- Flyer cannot maintain posture.
- Group continually travels.
- Unsafe entry or finish.