Photo: Snapped! by Becca Clark

Have trouble reaching your flyer? Here are some tips if you’re a shorter backspot:

  • Make sure you are reaching through all joints, including your shoulders. Extend your shoulders as much as possible.
  • Ask your bases to squat a bit lower, without compromising the stability of the stunt.
  • If you absolutely cannot reach your flyer’s ankles and they are able to stand in extension without anyone holding at the back, grab the bases’ wrists or hands and help them lift, stay steady, keep the feet together, etc. When your flyer comes down lower during other parts of the stunt, you can be more hands on then.
  • Let your flyer know that you have difficulty reaching them. That way, they won’t expect to feel you have full control during certain parts of the stunt. Your flyer will then also know they cannot rely on your hands at the back to keep them up if needed, so they’ll need to stand more on their own.
  • Tell your coach if you feel the height issue is a safety risk or is preventing the stunt from hitting. The coach’s job is to make sure all stunt groups are put together well so everyone can do their job correctly and safely. Since height is something you can’t control, they should understand the negative impact it may have on your stunt and place you in a more suitable position.