Three Roles, One Card: Base, Flyer and Spotter Rotation

In groups of three, each student goes through all three acrosport roles using a card that says what each one does and says. Students learn that the spotter matters as much as whoever goes up.

How to play

1. Introduce the roles with three volunteers: the base is a steady platform, the flyer goes up and stays tight, the spotter protects and gives the calls. Each trio gets a card with three simple figures (4 min).
2. Figure 1 (flyer kneeling on the base's back in table position, supported on hips and shoulders): done three times, rotating roles each time (6 min).
3. Figure 2 (flyer standing on the thighs of the squatting base, hand-to-wrist grip): three times with role rotation (6 min).
4. Figure 3 (airplane: base lying down with feet on the flyer's hips): only if the spotter signs off on the first two (6 min).
5. Each trio marks on the card which role was hardest and why (3 min).

Rules

• Nobody goes up until the spotter says "Ready."
• The flyer steps or leans only on hips, shoulders and thighs, never the middle of the back.
• Coming down is as slow as going up.
• Everyone does every role: no "always the base" or "always the flyer."

Variations

Adaptations

• Wrist injury: spots, and flies in figure 2, but doesn't base in table position.
• Afraid of height: as flyer in figure 2, keeps one foot on the floor.
• Hearing impairment: the spotter taps the flyer's and the base's shoulder as well as speaking.

Learning goals

• Learn what the base, flyer and spotter each do.
• Experience all three roles in one class.
• Use the spotter's call as the start and end signal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gym mats: 10
• figure cards: 10

Teacher tip

Group trios by similar size, or put the biggest student at base on the first round, then let them rotate. The usual problem is a spotter just watching with still hands: insist their hands stay close to the flyer's hips.

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