Bender Tunnel Training
01.02Belly Flying

Belly Forward & Backward

Move forward and backward with correct upper- and lower-body inputs, stop between movements, and maintain altitude, stability, heading, and control.

Prerequisite: Neutral and stable belly-flying position, on or off the net.

Desired outcome: Move forward and backward with correct upper- and lower-body inputs, stop between movements, and maintain altitude, stability, heading, and control.

Key points:

  • Start and stop basic movement by extending and retracting the arms or legs.
  • Return to neutral and stop completely before beginning the next movement.
  • Maintain a symmetrical arch and manage heading with small upper-body corrections.
  • For advanced movement, combine upper- and lower-body inputs. Widen the knees to accelerate forward and narrow them to accelerate backward.
  • Faster movement requires an earlier and stronger stopping input.

Coaching and safety: Establish clear stopping references and keep the student away from a doorway-facing heading. Select an altitude and speed that match the student's demonstrated control.