Quick answer: a main base is one of the two bases in a stunt, typically taking primary responsibility for controlling the stunt's timing and bearing a significant share of the flyer's weight - working as a pair with a side base.
What Does the Main Base Do?
In most two-base stunts, the two bases don't perform identical jobs. The main base is generally the more central or controlling partner - often supporting the flyer's dominant or "main" foot in two-leg stunts (or the standing foot in single-leg stunts like a liberty, where both bases work under the same leg), leading the timing of the load-in, and taking primary responsibility for keeping the stunt centred and stable.
Responsibilities in Stunts
A main base's responsibilities typically include:
- leading the timing of the load-in and lift;
- bearing a significant share of the flyer's weight;
- providing the primary point of control the flyer balances against, particularly in single-leg positions like a liberty;
- coordinating closely with the side base to keep the stunt level.
Responsibilities in Pyramids
In pyramids, the main base often continues to anchor their own stunt group's timing and positioning, even as the group connects to neighbouring stunts.
Responsibilities in Tosses
In toss skills, the main base works with the side base and back spot to generate a synchronised lift, typically leading the initial timing cue.
Skills Commonly Associated With the Role
Main basing is closely associated with single-leg stunt positions, where one base takes primary responsibility for the standing foot - see Liberty for an example.
How the Role Works With Other Athletes
The main base works as a pair with the side base, alongside the flyer and back spot, as part of a full stunt group.
Common Misconceptions
It's sometimes assumed the main base is simply "the stronger base." In practice, main basing is as much about timing, control and communication as it is about raw strength.
Can Athletes Change Roles?
Yes. Many athletes base on both sides across different stunts, routines or seasons, and coaches often assign main base based on the specific stunt and flyer rather than fixing it permanently.
Related Roles
See Side Base and Main Base vs Side Base for how the two roles compare.