Expert: Chris - 4/18/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I'm really nervous and upset that I'm not going to be a flier on my upcoming level 2 team, because of my height and weight. (P.S I've always been a flier on past teams) I'm 4'8 and I'm going to be with 6th graders. Should I be nervous and what is the chance I'm going to be a flier?

ANSWER: I'm not sure if you're going to be a flier because it depends on who else is on your team. But if you're not a flier on this team it doesn't mean you won't be a flier ever again! It's not a bad thing to learn to base or backspot because it can actually help you with flying. It's always good to understand all the positions. Also, talk to your coaches and explain this because maybe they can find a way to have you fly in a couple stunts (if you're not a flier all the time). No matter what happens please remember that if you base or backspot for one year, it doesn't mean you won't fly again. You're still young and have plenty of time to fly again.

Good luck. I know this is frustrating because I'm going through the same thing. I'm in college though, and I'm still growing. Now I'm too big!! It's annoying, but maybe it's a good thing for both of us.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm back. I still need some more info. I just figured out that most of the girls last year were much taller than me, and are returning to my coach. All of my friends say I will but I'm just so anxious. Is there anyway I can improve my chances of becoming a flyer? (P.S. I will probably ask lots of questions until I get a better understanding) Thanks!

Answer
With your past experience and being one of the smaller girls you will probably fly. I haven't seen the rest of your team so I can't say for sure, but I think you probably will fly. Work on your flexibility. If you can do a heel stretch, arabesque, scorpion, scale, and bow and arrow and stay up in the air there should be no reason for your coaches to keep you out of the air.

Do you have any of these stunts already? If you do you're ahead of the game. If not, work on the EVERY DAY until you have them. It can be frustrating and annoying, but it just takes time. If you work a couple times each day, even just during commercials on TV, you can make a lot of progress. Any stretches help because those stunts require so many muscles that stretching anything is good.

Good luck!