Elephant lift on floor

Main points

Pre-requisites

• Straddle lever
• Flat japana
• Technically-correct handstand

Technique

1. Start with feet slightly behind hands, arms by ears, and head in line but looking at fingers
2. Lift up high onto toes, press hips into handstand, but keep feet low
3. Maintain ‘folded position’ – shoulders should press only very-slightly forwards over hands when lifting
   1. Arms locked straight throughout
   2. Keep weight on fingers at all times, with a tight grip
4. Straddle legs wide and keep body folded as they lift to the handstand position
5. Tight handstand position with shoulders pressed up and legs together
6. Fold back down (reverse of points 1-4) keeping all weight on hands until toes touch the floor.

Please note: In addition to the above, there are many preparations, flexibility drills and conditioning exercises that should be performed to help perfect the elephant lift to handstand