Bender Tunnel Training
03.06Static Progression

Head Up Up & Down

Move upward, stop, and move downward in the neutral air column without changing heading or adding forward or backward movement.

Prerequisite: Head Up Left/Right Turns and Forward/Backward Movement.

Desired outcome: Move upward, stop, and move downward in the neutral air column without changing heading or adding forward or backward movement.

Reference material: IBA Flight Tutorial #32.

Key points:

  • Begin low to or on the net in neutral head-up flight.
  • To move up, increase lower-body surface area by spreading the feet and bringing the knees closer, then add balanced torso and arm input as needed.
  • Balance the legs to cancel unwanted drive and return toward neutral to stop.
  • To descend, sit more upright, bring the feet and legs closer together, and reduce arm surface area.
  • Stop the descent with a controlled upward input before reaching the net.

Coaching and safety: Set clear upper and lower limits, make small fall-rate changes, and require a complete stop between directions. Correct pitch before adding wind or range and preserve the neutral back-flying recovery.

Manual source: Static Progression Coach Manual, Lesson Plan #19.