Tic-Tock
A single-leg transition in which the flyer changes from one supporting leg to the other, commonly through a release. A clean Tic-Tock should look like one confident vertical exchange rather than two separate stunts joined by a scramble.
What Is a Tic-Tock?
A transition that changes a single-leg stunt from one standing foot to the opposite standing foot.
In a release Tic-Tock, the bases create enough vertical space for the flyer to exchange legs before being recaught.
The flyer should remain centred during the change and arrive stacked over the new supporting foot.
The skill can be connected to different body positions, but the underlying leg-change mechanics remain the same.
Own Both Sides First
Right Liberty
Strong starting or finishing single-leg control.
Left Liberty
Opposite-side balance should also be trained.
Release Timing
Group understands vertical pop and re-catch.
Switch-Up
Athlete can actively change feet during transition.
Change the Leg — Keep the Centre
Pop Straight Up
The release should create space rather than throw the flyer sideways.
Switch Under the Hips
Avoid swinging the new leg in a large circle.
Stack Immediately
The hips should arrive directly over the new standing foot.
Absorb Together
The catch should not collapse one side of the stunt.
Strong vs Weak Tic-Tock
✓ Strong
- Release stays vertical.
- Flyer remains centred.
- Leg switch is quick.
- New foot is predictable.
- Hips stack immediately.
- Bases absorb evenly.
- Landing side is as strong as starting side.
- Group can continue directly into choreography.
✕ Weak
- Flyer travels laterally.
- New leg swings wide.
- Foot switch occurs too late.
- Hips land outside platform.
- Bases chase the catch.
- Landing leg bends dramatically.
- Large correction follows every rep.
- One side is noticeably weaker.
Tic-Tock Flow
Coaching Cues & Drills
Alternating Lib Holds
Build independent strength on both standing legs.
Jump Switch Drill
Practise fast foot exchange while keeping hips centred.
Low Release Exchange
Train timing at an appropriate progression before increasing height.
Common Problems & Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Check | Training Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flyer moves sideways | Release or leg switch is lateral | Centre of hips | Rebuild vertical release. |
| New foot arrives late | Flyer waits too long | Switch timing | Use jump-switch floor drills. |
| Landing leg collapses | Opposite-side strength insufficient | Single-leg strength | Increase opposite-side liberty training. |
| Base catches outside body | Flyer centre travels | Release trajectory | Reduce progression and re-centre. |
| Landing body position changes | Flyer prioritises switch over shape | Hips/chest | Freeze the target body position first. |
IASF Context
Both Pictures Matter
Judges see the starting single-leg position, transition itself and landing position as part of the complete technical impression.
Combination Can Increase Value
Connecting Tic-Tocks to body positions or additional transitions may contribute to comparative difficulty, provided execution remains high.
Is the Tic-Tock Ready?
GREEN · Ready
- Both liberties are strong.
- Release travels vertically.
- Fast leg exchange.
- Foot placement predictable.
- Hips re-centre immediately.
- Landing remains stable.
- Repeatable in sequence.
AMBER · Developing
- Minor lateral movement.
- Small landing adjustment.
- One side weaker.
- Timing inconsistent.
RED · Regress
- Large travel.
- New foot arrives unpredictably.
- Landing leg collapses.
- Target single-leg position cannot hold.
- Release requires chasing.