Tips and Techniques for Stunting: Basing

Bases’ stunting problems can be grouped into two categories: technique issues and conditioning issues.

On the issue of technique, many bases face the problem of being unable to drive their flyers to the top. Whether it’s for a transition or a stunt, bases generally stand up before their flyers have reached a fully extended position. This prevents bases from hitting an extended level stunt without having to “press” the top girl to the top of the stunt.

Another area where bases have problems is with the positioning of their wrists and hands during two foot stunts. Many bases do not hold the entire foot of the flyer. Instead, they separate their wrists, leaving the middle of the flyer’s foot unsupported.   

There are a couple ways bases can begin to fix these technique issues. First, bases should start working on their individual timing. They can do this with light weights in their hands, standing in front of mirror and marking the correct way to build an elevator. The focus is on getting the legs and elbows to lock out at the same time. Next, have a pair of bases work together practicing elevators with light weights until both bases are synchronized. Then, replace the weights with an experienced top girl and continue to work on timing.

To improve incorrect wrist placement and weak grip issues, go to the beginning and start with the hang drill. Place a small piece of paper between the bases’ wrists at the start of the hang drill. Build the elevator and see if the bases are able to keep the piece of paper squeezed between their wrists as the stunt hits. Focus the attention on sliding the bases hands under the foot toward the middle keeping their wrists together, instead of sliding their hands to the ends of the foot.

The other issue bases face is a lack of conditioning. This is a crucial issue as conditioning will help prevent injuries and build stronger bases.

We see conditioning problems arise when bases first use their back and arms to lift their top girls, instead of their legs. Bending at the hips causes lower back pain, puts a tremendous amount of strain on the back and is a primary reason why bases are not able to lift their flyers to the top.

In order to correct this problem, start conditioning the legs by performing squats. Hands on the head, feet a little wider then shoulder with apart for sets of 15 to 20 at time. Once the legs are accustomed to this movement add a jump after the squat. The jump squat builds the explosive power bases need to really drive the flyer to the top. Once the squat movement is mastered, try stunt conditioning for the legs. A good example is to perform consecutive elevator double take elevator drills.

For bases with wrist pain the key is to strengthen the small muscles in the wrists, hands and forearms. Start by squeezing a tennis ball. This is an easy way to build wrist strength. Another way to work the wrists and forearms is to dip a dish towel in a bucket of water and ring it out. Continue to dunk and ring, it won’t take long for the hands, wrists and forearms to really start to strengthen. Make sure to stretch the wrists and forearms thoroughly before and after to help prevent soreness.

If bases begin to condition properly and fix their technique, they will start to see  tremendous improvement in skill and strength, hitting their stunts with greater ease and consistency.

Article Written by David Kirschner – President, The Spirit Consultants, LLC www.thespiritconsultants.com