Foundational Skills

Basic Body Positions

Straddle

The straddle is used in many skills such as a straddle forward roll, straddle jump, positioning on bars, etc.

  • The term straddle means that the legs are extended sideways. The straddle is a basic position in which the legs are straight, opening sideward (possibly to maximum range) with the legs turned outward. There is hip flexion and the angle is 90 degrees or more.
  • When the angle of hip flexion is less than 90 degrees it will be labeled straddle (piked), sometimes referred to as a pancake.
  • The only straddle that is not piked is the straddle stand. In the straddle stand, the legs are shoulder width apart with no flexion at the hip.
  • A standing supported straddle is when the legs are straight and apart in straddle with hip flexion and the hands are slightly in front or beside the feet on the floor, shoulder width apart, with the weight partially shifted to the hands.
  • An inverted straddle is when the hips are lifted above the shoulders.

Verbal/Linguistic

Sit on the floor with legs open sideward to maximum range.
The legs are straight.
The torso is bent forward at the hips.
The legs are slightly turned out with the knees facing upward and feet pointed.

Visual/Spatial

Keep chest and torso lifted
Knees face the ceiling
See the letter ìVî made with the legs
Open the legs away from each other
Kinder Cue: Make star points with the feet, hands and head


Logical/Mathematical

Create maximum degree angle between legs
Torso remains vertical with a straight back
There is one line from top of head to bottom of spine
Keep back vertical, legs horizontal
Make a symmetrical body position

Bodily/Kinesthetic

Feel the muscles above the knees squeezing tight
Reach out to the walls with the fingers and toes
Feel the backs of the knees touching the floor
Point the feet until you feel the heels leave the floor
Feel the chest lifted and abdominals tight

Naturalist

Kinder Cue: Stretch the points out like a snowflake

Common Errors

Bent knees
Legs turned in
Abdominals loose
Rounded back
Dropped chest

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