🔎Can you spot the mistake? Same Side Inversion Climb
- Aerial Physique
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Same Side Inversion Climb is more than just a conditioning climb - it's a foundational pathway into the thigh hitch and a valuable skill to revisit regularly.
Set-up: Silk on the right side. Invert into a straddle, hook your right knee, climb above it, key over, and swim the tail behind your back. (vice-versa on the left)
Sounds simple enough - but this is one of those sneaky skills where small mistakes can cost you big height. Instead of going up, many aerialists unintentionally slide down.
💡 Why does this happen? And what can be done differently? See the video and tips below!
✔️ Same Side Climb Breakdown:
With your right knee hooked, reach above your knee with your right hand first, then your left.
Pull up while squeezing your heel to your bum to help avoid sliding.
Drive your wrapped leg down and press your hips forward -this ensures your thigh hitch slides up high on your leg. Don’t rush to key over!
Wait until your body is fully vertical, then key over to the side.
As you key, scissor and squeeze your thighs together to lock in height.
Your top arm threads between your bottom shoulder and the tail, making a backstroke motion to swim the tail behind you.
🔑 Quick Reminders: • Pull up as you squeeze your heel toward your bum
• Don’t rush the key over - hit vertical first!
• Hip forward, thigh hitch high
• Scissor & squeeze as you key over
P.S. 🎉 Exciting news: Enrollment is now open for our Online Teacher Training Course - through June 20th! If you’ve ever wondered how to spot subtle mistakes, teach with clarity and develop a sharp eye for clean technique, this course is for you. We go in depth on skills just like this (and so much more).
