Quick answer: a side base is the second of the two bases in a stunt, working alongside a main base to support and balance the flyer - often taking a more assisting or stabilising role than the main base.
What Does the Side Base Do?
Where a main base often leads timing and takes primary control, the side base focuses on assisting and stabilising - supporting the flyer's other foot in two-leg stunts (or assisting under the same standing leg in single-leg stunts like a liberty), helping balance the stunt from side to side, and reacting quickly to keep the position level.
Responsibilities in Stunts
A side base's responsibilities typically include:
- matching the main base's height and timing precisely;
- supporting the flyer's non-dominant foot in two-leg stunts, or assisting under the standing leg in single-leg stunts;
- helping absorb and correct small shifts in the flyer's balance;
- assisting with the catch on dismount.
Responsibilities in Pyramids
In pyramids, side bases often play a key role in bracing connections to neighbouring stunts, since their position can make them well placed to support an adjoining group.
Responsibilities in Tosses
In toss skills, the side base works with the main base and back spot to generate a synchronised, level lift, matching timing precisely.
Skills Commonly Associated With the Role
Side basing is closely associated with two-leg stunts such as a prep or extension, where both bases share support relatively evenly, as well as assisting in single-leg positions led by the main base.
How the Role Works With Other Athletes
The side base works as a pair with the main base, alongside the flyer and back spot, as part of a full stunt group.
Common Misconceptions
Side base is sometimes assumed to be a "lesser" role than main base. In reality, precise matching and quick correction from the side base are just as essential to a stable stunt as the main base's control.
Can Athletes Change Roles?
Yes. Many athletes base on both sides across different stunts, routines or seasons.
Related Roles
See Main Base and Main Base vs Side Base for how the two roles compare.