Stunt Wobble Diagnosis
A wobble tells you that the stunt's centre of pressure is moving. The coach's job is to work out why. Diagnose whether instability begins forward, backward or laterally, then trace that movement to the flyer, bases, back spot, timing or starting position that created it.
Diagnose the Direction Before the Person
Start by describing what the stunt does, not who you think caused it.
“The stunt moves forward on the rise” is more useful than immediately saying “the flyer is leaning”.
Once the direction and timing are clear, trace where that movement entered the system.
Often the visible athlete is reacting to an instability created somewhere else.
What Kind of Wobble Is It?
Centre Moves Toward Front
Check load position, base platforms, flyer weight placement, chest position and whether the stunt was pushed forward during the rise.
Centre Moves Toward Back Spot
Check whether the flyer sits behind the feet, bases pull the platform inward or the back spot over-assists backward.
Centre Moves Side to Side
Check unequal base height, foot placement, uneven pressure, single-leg balance and shoulder or hip asymmetry.
Where Instability Can Begin
Centre & Shape
Weight placement, ankle control, hips, chest and body-position changes can move the stunt.
Platform & Stack
Uneven hand level, stance, footwork or arms outside the body line can destabilise the platform.
Assistance & Direction
Late, uneven or directional assistance can introduce movement rather than correcting it.
Group Rhythm
Different dip, rise or extension timing can produce instability even when everyone has good individual positions.
Strong vs Poor Wobble Diagnosis
✓ Strong Diagnosis
- Names the direction of movement.
- Identifies when the wobble begins.
- Checks starting position first.
- Looks at all stunt-group roles.
- Changes one variable at a time.
- Uses side or front video when useful.
- Regresses height if needed.
- Retests after one clear correction.
✕ Poor Diagnosis
- Immediately blames the flyer.
- Shouts “squeeze” at everyone.
- Ignores base-platform movement.
- Lets all group members change at once.
- Keeps repeating an unstable stunt.
- Only watches the point it falls.
- Adds more strength instead of fixing position.
- Does not identify when movement began.
Wobble Diagnosis Flow
What the Direction Can Tell You
| What You See | Check First | Possible Cause | Coach Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep immediately moves forward | Load-In | Flyer or platform already forward | Fix starting centre before lifting. |
| Extension moves backward at top | Final extension phase | Arms or assistance redirecting the stunt | Keep extension vertically stacked. |
| Lib repeatedly falls to one side | Supporting foot platform | Unequal pressure or poor ankle/hip centre | Correct single-leg platform and flyer centre. |
| Stunt shakes only after body position | Moment shape changes | Flyer shifts centre while moving leg | Train body-position transition separately. |
| Whole group steps after rise | Shared dip and drive | Horizontal force introduced early | Rebuild vertical group timing. |