Grounded Hoop

You will need:

• to hold a Spin City Beginners Aerial Hoop Instructor Course certificate, or equivalent certificate
• access to the internet via a PC, laptop, or mobile device
• access to at least 1 aerial hoop that can be rigged 70cm-120cm from the ground
• a minimum of 2 hours’ study/training time per week (to complete the course within the 1-year deadline)
• a device to film videos on (mobile phones are allowed)

BASIC GROUNDED HOOP MOVES

• Arm Windmill
• Foot Folds
• Straddle turns
• Barrel Roll
• Cobra Roll
• Elbow Sweep
• Stag Turns
• Walking on the Moon
• Splits Away Turn
• Straddle Catch
• Backwards Roll from Hocks
• Single Hocks Roll Around
• Double Hocks Roll Around
• Back Balance Somersault
• Forwards Somersault
• Corkscrew

GROUNDED HOOP STATIC POSES

• Cross Knee Seat
• Elbow Seats
• Kneeling Bow and Arrow
• Kneeling Single Leg Cradle
• Kneeling Open Delilah
• Side Lunge
• Amazon Standing Split
• Crucifix Layback
• Floor Straddle

This course has two main parts to the assessment; a theory assessment and a short video to show your technical ability.

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 a range of 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 strategy.

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.