Bender Tunnel Training
03.04Static Progression

Head Up Forward & Backward

Move forward and backward from neutral head-up flight, stop between movements, and maintain altitude, stability, and control.

Prerequisite: Neutral and Stable Head Up Position.

Desired outcome: Move forward and backward from neutral head-up flight, stop between movements, and maintain altitude, stability, and control.

Reference material: IBA Flight Tutorial #30.

Key points:

  • Begin low to the net and use small, gradual movements.
  • For basic forward drive, keep the lower body neutral and lean the upper body slightly back into the airflow; lift the knees to reduce the drive and stop.
  • For backward drive, bring the chest slightly toward the airflow and stop with the opposing input.
  • For stronger movement, coordinate the torso with controlled heel and leg inputs while keeping the body balanced.
  • Return to neutral after every stop and recover to neutral back flight if the position becomes unstable.

Coaching and safety: Define the travel path and stopping points before the flight. Head-up pitch can create rapid drive, so progress from slow starts and stops, leave generous wall clearance, and increase speed only after control is demonstrated.

Manual source: Static Progression Coach Manual, Lesson Plan #17.