1. Top Steps off Bench Onto the Base

Gymnastics: Teaching the Forward Thigh Stand

Dick Moss, Editor

The forward thigh stand is a simple balance that your students can perform in pairs. You can teach it quickly with the use of a wall and a bench.

How to Teach
Place a bench a few feet from a wall. Divide your students into pairs, one the “Top,” the other, the “Base.”

The Tops stands on the bench, facing away from the wall. The Bases lean against the wall, facing out. They lower into a squat position until their thighs are parallel to the floor, then extend their arms, grabbing the Tops' waist.

2. Top Leans Forward, Holding Base’s Wrists

The Tops grasp the Bases' wrists, step back onto the Bases' thighs and straighten their legs and body.

The Bases lower their hands to the Tops' thighs, then straighten their legs until they are no longer touching the wall. The Tops, still leaning forward, extend their arms up and out.

To release, Bases raise their hands to the Tops' waist. The Tops then step back onto the bench.

References
1. Rita Brown, Gymnastics: Skills & Drills for the Level 1, 2 & 3 Coach & Gymnast, RJC Publishing, 2013.
2. Joseph Fodero (EdD), and Ernest Furblur (M.S.), Creating Gymnastic Pyramids & Balances, Leisure Press, 1989.

3. Base Lifts Away from Wall, Top Raises Arms

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