Figure Inventors: Spec Sheet and Cross-Testing

Each group designs a new figure and documents it on a spec sheet with roles, supports, grips, spotting and risks; then another group tries to build it using only the sheet. Students practice creating and anticipating risks.

How to play

1. Introduce the sheet: drawing, number of people, each person's role, support points, grip, climbing and dismount order, spotter position, and one risk with how to prevent it (5 min).
2. In groups of four, explore ideas freely on the mat, two levels max (10 min).
3. Pick a figure and fill out the sheet. The teacher checks each sheet before moving on (8 min).
4. Cross-test: groups swap sheets and build the other group's figure from the writing only, no questions (10 min).
5. Feedback: each group tells the authors what was clear and what was missing, and the authors revise the sheet (7 min).

Rules

• Two levels max and nobody standing on the lower back.
• No figure is built without the teacher's signature on the sheet.
• During the cross-test, if something is unclear, don't improvise: ask the teacher.
• There is always a named spotter.

Variations

Adaptations

• Writing difficulties: the sheet can be done with drawings, arrows and key words, or a voice memo.
• Injured students: act as writer and spotter and check the other group's figure with the sheet in hand.
• Hearing impairment: visual sheet with numbers for the climbing order and agreed hand signals.

Learning goals

• Create an original, safe figure.
• Describe roles, supports and spotting precisely.
• Anticipate a risk and how to prevent it.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gym mats: 14
• spec sheets: 8
• pencils: 8

Teacher tip

The cross-test teaches the most: they find out "just climb up" doesn't work as an instruction. Keep the revised sheets; they make a figure bank for the final routine.

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