Flyer Mounting Techniques: Step, Climb, Settle

A progression that teaches the flyer to climb into a stunt cleanly: step in order, spread the weight, set the position and hold still. Students practice three typical acrosport mounts with a base and a spotter.

How to play

1. Groups of three on mats: base, flyer and spotter. Rule in 2 minutes: first place, then load, and only then let go of the safety hand.
2. Table mount (4 minutes): base on all fours; the flyer places hands on the shoulders, one knee on the hip and then the other; hold 3 seconds and climb down the same way.
3. Thigh mount (5 minutes): base in a kneeling lunge; the flyer holds the base's hand, steps on the thigh next to the hip and stands with the free arm out, held at the waist by the spotter.
4. Knee mount (5 minutes): base lying face up with knees bent; the flyer places hands on the knees and the base holds the flyer's shoulders to form an angled plank.
5. Rotate roles every 90 seconds on each mount.
6. Two-minute wrap-up: each group shows its cleanest mount, counting "place, load, let go."

Rules

• The flyer never jumps on: step with the whole foot, slowly.
• The spotter stays close until both of the flyer's feet are on the mat.
• Step only on hips, thighs near the hip and shoulders.
• Barefoot or clean sneakers, never socks.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: be a seated base and support the flyer's plank.
• Autism or shyness: start with the teacher as spotter and a trusted classmate.
• Fear of height: stay with the table mount until confident.

Learning goals

• Perform an orderly mount that loads weight gradually.
• Keep static balance on a human base.
• Take responsibility for the spotter's role.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 9

Teacher tip

A flyer who looks down loses balance: ask them to fix their eyes forward when standing. Flyers should be light, but rotate who flies.

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