1. Physical Education Department 2nd ESO
I.E.S PEÑALBA 1
UNIT 8: ACROSPORT
1. ORIGYN
Graphic material about ancient Egypt and performing artists reflect different
performances of acrobatics, juggling,.., but it is not until the eighteenth century,
when these activities are fully developed in the Circus.
Building human pyramids have been observed throughout history. In our
country, Castells are still performed in Catalonia. In these buildings you perform
a static or dynamic composition in which some people form a tower, a castle or
a pyramid.
2. CONCEPT
The Acrosport is an acrobatic sport performed with a partner or in groups, in
which you combine:
• Human pyramids (always involve at least a two-level structure, the base
being generally bigger than the top).
• Figures (esthetic formations made by all the participants. There are not
different levels)
• Gymnastic and choreographic elements (pine, sommersoults, dance,
etc)
All this is accompanied by music, which enhances its expressiveness.
3. ACROSPORT AS A SPORT
The discipline Acrosport is included, with the rest of acrobatics sports, in the
IFSA / International Federation of Sports Acrobatic. IFSA was founded in 1973.
Currently, the IFSA is included into the FIG (International Gymnastics
Federation) which organises competitions in six disciplines:
Artistic gymnastics: men and women.
Rhythmic gymnastics: women.
Trampoline.
Aerobic gymnastic.
Acrobatic gymnastic.
The categories in which they compete are:
• In twos (female, male and mixed)
• In threes: women.
• In fours: men.
2. Physical Education Department 2nd ESO
I.E.S PEÑALBA 2
4. ACROSPORT ROLES:
Two roles are the most important when building pyramids.
THE TOP:
He is thinner and smaller than the base.
His main features are flexibility, balance
and agility.
He must be courageous and he must trust
his partners.
He is on the top of the pyramids with a
balance or strength position.
THE BASE:
It is a stable, static or dynamic base on
pyramid buildings.
His main features are strength, stability
and balance.
The base must provide trust to his partners.
Basic positions:
THE HELPER: his job is to help to build the pyramid. He provides security and
confidence to his partners. These helps:
Avoid accidents.
Decrease anxiety.
Provide confidence and collaboration with partners.
