Prerequisite: Completed IBA Back-Flying Level 2.
Desired outcome: Fly a symmetrical, neutral, and stable head-up position at a controlled wind speed without excessive movement or rotation.
Reference material: IBA Flight Tutorial #29.
Key points:
- Begin on the net with the feet flat, knees bent about 90 degrees, thighs parallel to the net, and hips bent about 90 degrees.
- Keep the spine straight, shoulders slightly back, chin up, and arms open to the airflow with a small bend at the elbows.
- Maintain a symmetrical shape and use small corrections rather than reaching for the net or abruptly standing.
- Practice neutral before adding daffy, knee-flying, or other variations.
- Return to neutral back flying if stability is lost.
Coaching and safety: Start with only enough wind to support the vertical position and increase it only after control is demonstrated. Correct the body position before requesting more wind, avoid a doorway-facing heading, preserve the instructor's access path, and keep the back-fly recovery available.
Manual source: Static Progression Coach Manual, Lesson Plan #16.