Straddle lift on blocks

Main points

Pre-requisites

• Straddle lever
• Flat japana
• Technically-correct handstand
• Elephant lift

Technique

1. Straddle lever
2. Lift/turn hips and press to elephant lift start position (hips in handstand, feet next to hands)
   1. Maintain ‘folded position’ – shoulders should press only very-slightly forwards over hands when lifting
   2. Arms locked straight throughout
   3. Keep weight on fingers at all times, with a tight grip
3. Straddle legs wide and keep body folded as they lift to the handstand position
4. Tight handstand position with shoulders pressed up and legs together
5. Fold back down (reverse of points 1-4) to straddle lever

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