Acrosport: slow-motion reverse dismount and release
Cool-down for the acrosport unit: each group builds its simplest pyramid one last time and takes it down in reverse order in slow motion, taking care with every support. Then bases and flyers do release positions for the wrists, shoulders and back and rate their group's work.
How to play
- Each group builds its simplest pyramid with the help of the safety spotter (2 min).
- Reverse dismount counting to eight at each step: first the flyer comes down, then the middle layer and finally the bases stand up (2 min).
- Release for bases: child's pose on the mat and slow cat-cow (1 min).
- Release for flyers and everyone: wrist circles and shaking out the hands and shoulders (1 min).
- Each group rates its communication during the session from 1 to 5 and writes one improvement (2 min).
Rules
- Always dismount in the reverse order of building, never jumping down from the top.
- A safety spotter stands by each pyramid during the dismount.
- Only build pyramids already mastered: nothing new during the cool-down.
Variations
Easier
Take down a two-level pair balance instead of the group pyramid.
Standard
Slow-motion reverse dismount, role-based release and group rating.
Harder
Do the dismount without talking, using only agreed touch signals.
Adaptations
- Wrist injury: act as safety spotter and do only the shoulder release.
- Overweight students: take the base role in two-level figures with knees on the mat.
- Hearing impairment: a classmate shows the count to eight with their fingers.
Learning goals
- Lower arousal with slow, safe control work.
- Make safe dismounting part of acrosport technique.
- Evaluate group communication and suggest improvements.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 12
Teacher tip
The dismount is the riskiest moment in acrosport and is rarely practiced: use this time to correct it. Collect the ratings to form groups for the next session.
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