Head Up Forward & Backward
Overview
Once you can control a neutral, stable head up position, you will understand the basics of how your body, while in the vertical orientation, can be affected with slight body pitch changes. This will mean that controlling forward and backward movement is not unusual at this stage. Learning to balance these inputs to demonstrate controlled and defined forward and backward movements, is described in this technique.
Pre-requisites
Prior to learning Sit-Fly forward and backward, you will need to have learned all of the required Belly-Flying and Back-Flying skills. You will also need to have a stable neutral Sit-Flying position prior to introducing movement while in this position.
While you are learning the neutral Sit-Fly position, your coach might also teach you how to transition from your Back-Fly to Sit-Fly and also from your Sit-Fly to your Back-Fly positions. Although not necessary, knowing these movements can be helpful when it comes time for you to learn forward and backward moves, as you have had practice controlling the upper surface of your back.
Objectives
The primary objective is to be able to safely and successfully begin in a neutral Sit-Flying position off the net, move forward, stop and move backward, and stop, returning to neutral.
Preparation
You will begin on one side of the tunnel, in your neutral Sit-Fly position, at a wind speed that will allow you to leave the net comfortably. Your back should be close to the wall, leaving the majority of the tunnel in front of you available for movement. Once you have completed your forward movement, you will want to stop on the opposite side of the tunnel, leaving space between you and the wall in front of you, then moving backward to return to your original position.
Post-flight questions / suggestions
- How did your performance match the initial objectives?
- Were you able to maintain stability throughout each movement without gaining or losing altitude, or changing heading?
- Are you ready to increase the speed of the movements by applying more advanced techniques?
- What can you work on to improve the movements or the stop?
As you become comfortable controlling yourself in a Sit Flying position, moving forward and backward, you will progress on to the next skill. While doing so, continue to challenge yourself on this maneuver, increasing wind speed where it is appropriate to do so, flying faster movements and stronger stops.