What It Takes to Be a Great Base

Because being the foundation isn't just a position—it's a responsibility.

Let’s be real—without solid bases, nothing goes up and nothing stays up. Stunting might look flashy from above, but the real magic is in the foundation. Bases are the backbone of every pyramid, extension, and toss. And while flyers might soar, bases are the ones who get them there safely, consistently, and with confidence.

As coaches, we know there’s a big difference between a good base and a great one. Here’s what separates the two—and how athletes can level up their game.

Being a base requires serious strength—but not just brute force. A great base knows how to use their strength efficiently. That means:

• Leg drive, not just upper body power. Your legs are the engine behind every lift and catch.

• Core control for balance and stabilization. It keeps the stunt steady, even when the flyer wobbles.

• Grip endurance—because holding a stunt isn’t just about getting it up, it’s about keeping it there.*** Pro tip: Strength doesn’t always mean size. Technique and timing often win out over pure muscle.

A great base is precise. It’s not about doing things the hard way—it’s about doing them the right way.

• Feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, ready to drive.

• Hands in the right position every time—under, not behind.

• Elbows in, arms locked, shoulders back—yes, it matters that much.

Being technically sound keeps flyers safe, protects your own body, and builds trust within the stunt group. Want to be reliable? Start with clean technique. Every. Time.

Silent bases? Not in this gym.

Great bases are vocal leaders. They give counts, call timing, and communicate with their flyers constantly—especially during transitions or if something feels off.

And just as important: they listen. To their group. To the counts. To their coach. Communication makes the difference between chaos and consistency. 

Great bases don’t just train their bodies—they train their minds. Being a base means staying calm under pressure. You might take a hit, lose balance, or have to adjust mid-stunt without flinching. The best bases develop mental resilience: they bounce back fast, stay focused, and never let frustration take over the group dynamic. Mental toughness is what turns a shaky stunt into a comeback—and every base needs that grit.

Your flyer needs to believe that you’ll be there every single time—no matter what. That trust doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through reps, communication, and consistency. The more dependable you are, the more confident your flyer becomes. When a flyer knows they can fall and you’ll be there? That’s not just skill—that’s a bond. Great bases don’t just catch stunts—they catch their teammate’s trust and confidence too.

A base who shows up late, misses reps, or has inconsistent effort will not be a stable and trustworthy base. Bases need to be reliable teammates. That means:

• Showing up mentally and physically prepared.

• Giving the same focus in warm-ups as you do in full-out.

• Being someone your flyer can trust every single time they go up.

Consistency isn’t just a habit—it’s a reputation.

It’s easy to think your job ends once the stunt is up—but great bases are constantly adjusting, reading, and reacting. They notice if a foot is sliding, if timing is off by half a count, or if a flyer is starting to tilt. That kind of body awareness takes time to develop, but it makes all the difference. Bases who pay attention to detail become the go-to in every stunt group.

Being a great base means knowing you’re part of a group that moves as one. You know each other’s strengths, cover each other’s weaknesses, and trust that everyone is doing their part.

No one shines without the support of their group—and a great base knows the goal is elevating the whole stunt, not stealing the spotlight.

A great base doesn’t just hold weight—they carry responsibility, pride, and the trust of their teammates. They’re strong, sharp, and smart. They show up ready. They speak up when it counts. And they’re the reason that amazing stunts look so effortless.

If you’re serious about becoming a standout base, don’t wait for practice to work on it. Ask your coach for specific feedback. Work on core strength and grip endurance outside the gym. Watch video footage. Learn from other groups. The best bases are students of the sport—they’re always learning, always fine-tuning, and always pushing themselves to be better.

So here’s to the bases—the ones who lift, lock, and lead from the ground up. You are the foundation, and we see you.