Being a flyer is much more than just being lifted into the air. The role of flyer is a very active position in stunting, and your skill as a flyer can make or break the stunt. If you learn techniques that develop your skills as a flyer, your stunt group will be able to execute solid stunts and more quickly attain elite level stunts.
Body Position
Regardless of the skill you are attempting in your stunt, certain absolutes apply to your body position. The number-one directive is to be in control of your own body. Do not allow your ankles to roll or your toes to point out or in. Always keep your core muscles tight, pulling your abs in toward your spine and squeezing your butt muscles together. Lift up with your chest and shoulder muscles, as if it were your responsibility to keep your body up in the air. Never look down when you are stunting. Keep your eyes straight ahead with your chin slightly lifted.
Balance Training
As a flyer you are responsible for keeping your balance when in a stunt. Regardless of how shaky the stunt gets underneath you, try to save it by balancing. Train to improve your balance by practicing all the positions you need to perform in a stunt on the ground. Practice your liberty by balancing on one foot as in yoga's tree pose. Your free leg should be bent with its thigh parallel to the ground and its foot next to the knee of your standing leg. Keep your arms in a high V motion. To really challenge your balance, try doing this position on a pillow or balance cushion that will create some instability and force you to recover your balance frequently.
Memorizing the Motion
Before you attempt a skill at the top of a stunt, train on the ground and memorize the motion of the skill. For example, memorize a heel stretch by lying down on your back. Lift your straight right leg up and out to the side slightly. Cup your right hand and place your heel in it, pulling your leg as close to your head as possible. Keep your left leg straight and flat against the ground. Place your left arm in a high V motion. Close your eyes and memorize your body position.
Increasing Flexibility
A stretching strap made of nylon with a loop on each end is a great way to increase your flexibility for your stunts. Use it to stretch for your scorpion by standing with your left side near a wall. Loop one end of the strap around your left foot and bend that leg behind you, lifting the foot up toward your rear end. Holding the other loop in your left hand, start pulling the strap up to lift your left leg behind you and toward your head. Reach your right arm above your head and reach back, switching the strap to your right hand. Place your left hand on the wall for balance and lean forward slightly as you pull your left leg up into your scorpion position. Wrap the strap around your right hand moving your hand closer and closer to grabbing your left foot.
Member Comments