In balance, what does the base of support refer to?

• A. The distance between feet
• B. The center of gravity
• C. The angle of lean
• D. The points of contact that support the body's weight

Answer: (D)

Base of support is defined by the points where the body contacts the supporting surface and the area those contacts create. Those contact points—such as the feet, or hands if you’re on all fours or using a prop—form the boundary that supports your weight and determines how far your weight can shift before you tip. When the feet are widened, the base of support grows, making you more stable; bringing the feet closer together narrows the base and makes balance more challenging. The center of gravity is the single point where your weight effectively acts, and balance is maintained when that point stays within the base of support. Factors like how far you lean or how spread apart your feet influence stability, but the base of support itself is about the actual contact points and the area they cover.