Bender Tunnel Training
04.02Static Progression

Head Down Up & Down

Move upward, stop, and move downward in the air column from a neutral head-down position without changing heading or adding horizontal movement.

Prerequisite: Head-Down Neutral and Stable Body Position.

Desired outcome: Move upward, stop, and move downward in the air column from a neutral head-down position without changing heading or adding horizontal movement.

Reference material: IBA Flight Tutorial #45.

Key points:

  • Begin centered a short distance above the net with a straight spine.
  • Move up by increasing surface area with a wider daffy and balanced arm extension; keep the arms no higher than the shoulders.
  • Balance the inputs to prevent pitch, turns, or horizontal drive, then reduce the added surface area to stop.
  • Move down by narrowing the leg spread and relaxing or lowering the arms.
  • Stop the descent with a controlled upward input before reaching the net.

Coaching and safety: Use clear upper and lower references and progress in small altitude changes. Do not increase wind or range until the flyer can stop deliberately in both directions.

Manual source: Static Progression Coach Manual, Lesson Plan #25.