Quick answer: a front spot is an athlete who supports a stunt from the front, mirroring some of the back spot's responsibilities. The role is used in larger stunt groups, particularly for bigger or higher-difficulty stunts.
What Does the Front Spot Do?
Not every stunt uses a front spot - many two-base stunts only need a back spot. Where a front spot is used, they stand facing the stunt from the front, helping to steady the flyer, assist with timing, and provide an additional point of control that the two bases and back spot don't fully cover on their own.
Responsibilities in Stunts
A front spot's responsibilities typically include:
- helping stabilise the flyer from the front, especially during transitions;
- supporting a controlled load in and dismount;
- adding a fourth or fifth point of contact in larger stunts.
Responsibilities in Pyramids
In pyramids, a front spot can also help connect or brace neighbouring stunts, similar to a back spot's bracing role, but from the opposite side.
Responsibilities in Tosses
In toss skills, a front spot may help guide the flyer's position before release and assist on the catch, working with the bases and back spot as one coordinated catching team.
Skills Commonly Associated With the Role
Front spots are most often seen in larger stunt groups and higher-difficulty stunts and pyramids, where extra support is needed beyond two bases and a back spot.
How the Role Works With Other Athletes
A front spot works opposite the back spot, alongside the bases, to support the flyer from multiple angles. Together they make up a larger stunt group.
Common Misconceptions
Front spot is sometimes assumed to be identical to back spot. While the two roles share some responsibilities, they support the stunt from opposite sides and can have different specific tasks depending on the stunt.
Can Athletes Change Roles?
Yes. Front spot is often filled by athletes who also base or back spot other stunts within the same routine.
Related Roles
See Back Spot, Base and Stunt Group.