The Spin City Grounded Hoop Instructor Course will teach you how to effectively use your aerial hoop at a low height to support and adapt existing moves and will expand your repertoire to include a range of low height- specific techniques.

The theory section of this course will teach you the basic rules of working with a the hoop at a reduced height, how to adapt existing aerial hoop moves from your syllabus, different methods of class planning and grounded hoop specific health and safety. The practical section of this course will cover over 50 different techniques from adaptations on standard aerial hoop moves to new moves created by using contact with the ground, to combining both of these into combinations, sequences and ultimately choreography. We will finish with different ways you can incorporate conditioning exercises into your aerial hoop classes to create cross-training option for your students.

UNIT 1 – INTRODUCTION TO GROUNDED HOOP

As a starting point, we will introduce you to the basics of using the apparatus lower to the ground. This ranges from understanding the nature of grounded hoop and how it differs from aerial hoop, to correct shoulder positioning and the importance of safety over aesthetics. We will cover height of the hoop, momentum and lifting, body position, progression and the basic hand grips.

UNIT 2 – BASIC MOVES

Our second unit is the main body of this course. We will cover over 50 different move variations: some from classical aerial hoop moves, some spinning, some static and some that make significant use of contact with the floor. Each move will be detailed with teaching points, safety points, progressions, regressions, and common problems.

UNIT 3 – ADAPTING HOOP MOVES TO GROUNDED HOOP

Unit 3 is where we will teach you how to analyse your current aerial hoop syllabus to consider which moves can transfer over into grounded hoop by following our 12-stage assessment.

UNIT 4 – GROUNDED HOOP CLASS PLANNING

In unit 4, we will give you a range of different formats in which to structure your individual classes. We will discuss how to build your syllabus using a system of safe progression and the benefits of incorporating conditioning and combinations in to your lesson structure.

UNIT 5 – CLASS PLANNING CHOREOGRAPHY

To demonstrate successful grounded hoop choreography, we will teach you a sample routine combining classical aerial hoop moves with new techniques and effective transitions. Within this unit, we will also discuss how to create your own grounded hoop choreography toolbox full of possible links and transitions.

UNIT 6 – HEALTH AND SAFETY

Health and safety is fundamental to effective grounded hoop classes. In this unit, we will look at key health and safety concepts such as public liability insurance and risk assessments. We will also cover specific grounded health and safety considerations, such as clothing, hand care and equipment care.