Foundational Skills

Basic Body Positions

Pike

The pike position is used in many skills such as an L support, pike jump, front hip circle, etc.

The pike is a basic position in which the legs are straight and together with hip flexion. The upper body does not bend forward.
If the angle is 90 degrees or more it is called an open pike.
If the angle is less than 90 degrees it is called a closed pike.
A standing supported pike is when the body is in pike and the hands are slightly in front of the feet on the floor, shoulder width apart, with the weight shifted partially to the hands.
An inverted pike is when the hips are lifted above the shoulders.

Verbal/Linguistic

Sit on the floor with legs extended to the front.
Legs are together and straight with feet pointed.
Back is straight, the ribcage and abdominals are lifted.

Visual/Spatial

Make the shape of an L with the body for an open pike
Make the shape of a V with the body for a closed pike
See the legs and feet together straight
Inside of legs share a straight line
Make a straight line with the spine from head through hips
Kinder Cue: Make a Pike sandwich and close the sandwich tight

Logical/Mathematical

Keep legs straight and the flexion at torso 90 degrees (more than 90 degrees for closed pike)
There is one line from top of head to bottom of spine
Keep torso vertical and legs perpendicular at 90 degrees
Make a symmetrical body position

Bodily/Kinesthetic

Feel muscles above knees squeezed tight
Feel abdominals lifted and tight
Feel inside of legs together
Press shoulders down and feel neck elongated
Feel tops of feet stretching to a point

Common Errors

Bent knees
Bend coming from upper back instead of hips
Dropped chest

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