Acrosport Roles: Base, Flyer, and Spotter

In groups of three, every student practices the three acrosport roles: base, who supports; flyer, who climbs on; and spotter, who watches and helps. Students work on safe weight-bearing positions, counted builds and dismounts, and responsibility for the group.

How to play

1. Make groups of three with one mat each. Explain the three roles and where weight may go: on the base's hips and shoulders, never the middle of the back (3 min).
2. Base positions: practice tabletop with a flat back and seated with knees bent. The spotter checks that the back does not sag (4 min).
3. Counted build: the spotter counts "one" (the flyer places the hands), "two" (one foot onto the base's hip), and "three" (the other foot up) while holding the flyer at the waist (5 min).
4. Stunt 1: the flyer kneels on the back of the base in tabletop. Hold 3 seconds and dismount counting "three, two, one," stepping down the same way they went up (4 min).
5. Stunts 2 and 3: pick two more stunts from the cards. Build each one three times, with each student in each role (6 min).
6. Group reflection: each student says which role was hardest and what they need from the other two (3 min).

Rules

• Weight goes only on the base's hips and shoulders.
• Always build and dismount on the spotter's count; nobody jumps off the top.
• If the base says "down," the flyer comes down immediately with help.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student can be the permanent spotter and counter, or a seated base for stunts where the flyer only places hands.
• Shyness or autism: let the student choose the group and start with low-contact stunts, previewing each step on the cards.
• Fitness level: assign base roles by size and strength for the first stunts and rotate roles on the simplest ones.

Learning goals

• Understand and carry out the roles of base, flyer, and spotter.
• Build and dismount stunts safely on a count.
• Take responsibility for classmates' safety.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 8
• stunt cards: 8

Teacher tip

Visit every group during the first build and do not let anyone move on unless the spotter counts out loud. Correct a flyer stepping on the middle of the back right away.

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