AFC Aerial Fitness Techniques & Methods 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which aerial apparatus primarily uses a single point of suspension and is specifically designed to allow 360-degree rotation during performance?
- Aerial straps
- Aerial hoop (lyra) (Correct answer)
- Spanish web
- Trapeze bar
Correct answer: Aerial hoop (lyra)
The aerial hoop (lyra) is suspended from a single swivel point, enabling continuous 360-degree spinning throughout a routine.
Question 2: During an aerial silks drop called the 'Russian drop,' what part of the body absorbs the initial impact to arrest the fall?
- Shoulders via a cross-back straddle wrap (Correct answer)
- Hip bones in a hip key
- Feet via a double foot lock
- Hands via a crochet hook grip
Correct answer: Shoulders via a cross-back straddle wrap
In a Russian drop, the wrap crosses across the upper back/shoulders, so the catch occurs through shoulder tension in the fabric.
Question 3: What key safety difference distinguishes a dynamic aerial move from a static aerial move in fitness training?
- Dynamic moves involve momentum and movement through space; static moves require held positions (Correct answer)
- Dynamic moves are performed closer to the ground
- Static moves always require a spotter
- Dynamic moves use less core engagement
Correct answer: Dynamic moves involve momentum and movement through space; static moves require held positions
Dynamic moves use momentum and travel through space (e.g., drops, swings), while static moves require sustained muscular effort to hold a shape.
Question 4: In aerial fitness programming, why is passive flexibility training generally discouraged immediately before an aerial session?
- It temporarily reduces muscle force production needed for safe grip and holds (Correct answer)
- It increases the risk of overheating
- It improves proprioception too much
- It shortens warm-up time
Correct answer: It temporarily reduces muscle force production needed for safe grip and holds
Passive stretching before aerial work can decrease muscle activation and force output, compromising the strength required for safe apparatus control.
Question 5: Which aerial silks technique requires the artist to be inside the silks with fabric crossing diagonally across the back to form a secure cocoon wrap?
- Hammock
- Corde lisse wrap
- Star/Starfish
- Coffin (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Coffin
The Coffin wrap encases the artist horizontally inside the silks with fabric securing the back, allowing a stable inverted or horizontal float.
Question 6: When spotting a beginner learning their first aerial inversion on a low hoop, where should the spotter's hands be placed?
- On the hips/pelvis to guide the rotation and support weight (Correct answer)
- On the ankles only
- On the wrists to prevent grip slip
- On the shoulders to push
Correct answer: On the hips/pelvis to guide the rotation and support weight
Spotting at the hips gives the instructor maximum control over the student's center of mass during the inversion.
Question 7: What is the correct anatomical term for the shoulder-joint action used when an aerial artist 'packs' the shoulders downward during an overhead hang?
- Scapular depression (Correct answer)
- Scapular elevation
- Scapular protraction
- Humeral flexion
Correct answer: Scapular depression
Packing the shoulders means actively depressing the scapulae, engaging the lower trapezius and lat to protect the glenohumeral joint under load.
AFC Aerial Fitness Techniques & Methods 3
Which aerial apparatus primarily uses a single point of suspension and is specifically designed to allow 360-degree rotation during performance?