The Half W
The Straight Pike
The Frog
When entering the world of pikes, te first position we want to work on is the frog.
You will find out the pike shape you prefer as you explore them all. Some will feel easier, others maybe impossible. Put all your chips behind your favorite pike for now. Towards the end of the Belt, you will start mastering the other shapes.
The frog is the friendliest of all shapes - the bum counterweight is clear, the bent, wide leg position won't stress too much your upper back, and it offers the perfect transition point to understand the tuck, the diamond and the straddle.
We want to start practicing this shape safely bum to the wall.
#Landing into a frog
For every shape, I will strongly advise that you approach it following these progressions:
- Land bum on the wall first, and find the shape (country house).
- Practice chest to the wall to improve your understanding of the shape.
- Practice kicking up into the shape.
The Straddle
One thing that is likely to start happening is a change in your shoulder angle.
Make sure to identify it if it happens and to work on having nicely open shoulders.
Some students will prefer the straddle from the frog. From the very beginning. If that’s you, ignore the frog for now.
