Here are some tips to help make your pyramid hit!:

1.) Brace - Have the spotters brace the pyramid and pull up on the legs of the flier to take the weight off the base.

2.) Understand - If everyone understands how the pyramid looks and works then it is easier to make corrections on their own part. 

3.) Confident flier(s) - Someone who will stay tight, squeeze for adjustments, and NOT bale out of the pyramid.

4.) Strong Base - Someone who can hold the pyramid and understand how to adjust to it.

5.) Practice one piece at a time - Practice the top part of the pyramid on the ground first, then move to individual sides if necessary.  This helps so if adjustments need to be made, they can be made on the ground first at a safe level.

6.) Squeezing - When adjustments need to be made, have the people involved in the pyramid adjust by squeezing themselves into place.  Sudden pulls and jerks can make the pyramid fall.

7.) Stay tight- Middle layers and fliers need to stay tight.  The more they move the more likely the pyramid will fall.

.

8.) Guide and place - If tossing a flier up into a pyramid make sure you guide and place them, DON'T just throw them.

10.) Switch it up - If something is NOT working (even if it's your best flier and best base), try to switch it up and put someone else in there. 

11.) Different body types - Just the size and build of a person can make a difference in a pyramid. 

13.) Feedback from doers - The people doing the pyramid should have and idea of why it is NOT going up.  Ask them what they feel and what they can possibly do.  They will feel more involved and appreciate the chance to be heard..