Pre-requisites

Learning side slides is the final part of learning the eight points of motion for the belly-fly orientation. There are, however, other skills to learn utilizing these eight points of motion which you will get to later in your progression. Prior to learning belly-flying side slides, you will need to have a fair amount of control in your neutral belly-flying position, moving forward, backward, up, down and controlling turns with ease. By knowing these moves you will have already had exposure to using more than one part of your body for control, driving and stopping. This will be a key element for learning side slides.

Objectives

The primary objective for this skill is to be able to safely control your body while side sliding from one side of the tunnel to the other and back again. Ultimately you will aim to complete this maneuver without coming into contact with the tunnel wall, while maintaining a constant heading and altitude throughout. Once you can complete this skill successfully, you can start combining your eight points of motion for other skills, such as super positioning.

Learning side slides will be one of the key belly-flying elements when it is time for you to fly with another person.

Preparation

To begin this maneuver, it is best to position yourself toward one side of the tunnel, ideally away from any of the tunnel doorways, as these can create an obstacle for you. You will also want to be at approximately waist level above the net and on a heading that will allow you to see your instructor for guidance. The size of the tunnel you are flying in will affect how much energy or speed you will be able to create before having to stop prior to contacting the wall on the opposite side.

Post-flight questions / suggestions

• How did your performance match the initial objectives?
• Were you able to maintain stability throughout while holding a constant speed, heading, and altitude?
• What techniques did you feel comfortable with and what can you improve on during the next session?

As you are complete with the basic 8 points of movement, continue to develop each move so that you can increase your proficiency and ability to move quicker and stop more accurate, this will contiue to make you a well rounded belly flyer.