Quick answer: a back spot is the athlete positioned behind a stunt who supports the flyer's ankles or feet, helps control the stunt's timing, and provides an extra layer of safety for the catch.
What Does the Back Spot Do?
The back spot stands behind the bases, usually holding the flyer's ankles once the stunt is up. From this position, the back spot helps stabilise the stunt, supports transitions between positions, and is often responsible for calling counts that keep the whole group moving in time together.
Responsibilities in Stunts
A back spot's core responsibilities include:
- supporting the flyer's ankles and helping control balance;
- calling timing cues for load-ins, transitions and dismounts;
- adding a third point of support alongside the two bases;
- helping absorb and control the catch when the stunt comes down.
Responsibilities in Pyramids
In a pyramid, the back spot often helps brace connections between neighbouring stunts, adding stability across the wider structure rather than just their own stunt group.
Responsibilities in Tosses
On toss skills, the back spot typically helps initiate the toss with the bases and then repositions quickly to help catch the flyer safely.
Skills Commonly Associated With the Role
Back spots are closely associated with every stunt in a routine, since almost all stunts and pyramids use a back spot for support and timing.
How the Role Works With Other Athletes
The back spot works directly with the bases to lift and control the flyer, and in larger stunts, alongside a front spot on the opposite side. Together they form a stunt group.
Common Misconceptions
Back spot is sometimes seen as a secondary role compared to basing or flying. In practice, back spots carry significant responsibility for safety and timing, and are often among the most experienced athletes in a stunt group.
Can Athletes Change Roles?
Yes. Many athletes move between basing, back spotting and flying across their career, and coaches often assign roles based on strength, experience and body type for a specific stunt.
Related Roles
See Base, Flyer and Stunt Group.