Quick answer: a stunt involves one stunt group working independently, while a pyramid connects multiple stunt groups together - through hand-holds, braces or shared flyers - to form one larger, connected structure.
| Stunt | Pyramid | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | One stunt group working independently | Multiple stunt groups connected together |
| Timing demand | Within one group | Across every connected group |
| Typical connections | None | Hand-holds, braces, shared flyers |
The Core Difference
Every pyramid is built from individual stunts, but not every stunt is part of a pyramid. The defining feature of a pyramid is connection - neighbouring stunt groups physically linked together, rather than performing side by side as separate, independent units.
Why the Distinction Matters
A single stunt's success depends only on its own stunt group. A pyramid's success depends on every connected group staying synchronised and stable, since a wobble in one group can directly affect the stunts connected to it - raising both the visual impact and the difficulty when it goes well.
How They're Judged Differently
Individual stunts are generally judged on their own technique and difficulty. Pyramids are judged on the individual stunts within them and on the additional coordination, timing and connections across the whole structure.
Related Skills
See Pyramid for more on how connections work, and Extension for one of the common stunt positions used as a pyramid building block.