Technique Tip: Draped Splits

Aerial Physique
3 days ago
2 min read

The saying “splits for claps” exists for a reason. You could perform a slow, technically challenging skill like Double Melty Star and get crickets, simply because the audience isn’t quite sure how hard it is. But show them a mid-air split and the applause usually follows! 👏

This week’s skill is a little finicky to get into and requires a toe grip of steel. But once it’s in place, it’s a definite crowd-pleaser and looks stunning in photos.

🤍Introducing Draped Splits See below for a full video breakdown, including tips to get in and out with ease! This beautiful shape can be accessed from any Cross Back Straddle entry, as long as you have one key ingredient: a strong toe grip.

[If you're thinking, well that's great, but I can't yet invert in Cross Back Straddle. We've gotcha! Here's a tip all about that!]

✔️Step-by-Step Setup Start in your foot locks – either eggbeater style or traditional figure eights. Then invert and enter Cross Back Straddle in your preferred way (in this tip, we’re showing the traditional entry).

From your straddle:

Grab one tail and walk your hands down toward the bottom and grab the edge
Place the silk between your big toe and second toe of the opposite foot.
Squeeze your toes together like you mean it!
Repeat on the other side.
Optional: Add gather the silks together and add a spin! 🌪️

Next, sit your chest up. Determine which silk is closer to your back – the same side hand grabs the pole while the other arm reaches between the silks as you lower in your split. You'll end up in a flamenco grip with the same side hand (if left silk is closest, left hand grabs) pass your shoulders under the pole.

✨Key Technique Points

Toe grip is everything. If your toes aren’t engaged, the silks may slip and ruin the shape.
Avoid over-straddling in your Cross Back, this makes it hard to sit up and can overstretch your hamstrings and strain hip/knee ligaments. Aim for a straight line from heel to heel as if you're sitting on the ceiling. Here's a technique tip that goes more in depth into over-straddling.
Grab low enough on the silks when placing them between your toes – if you don’t, you’ll lose that nice drape and the silk may get stuck on your head while you're sitting up.

Practice Tip: Before you go into the full skill, spend time simply placing the silk between your big and second toe and pointing your foot with maximum toe squeeze. This will build the grip strength needed to hold the shape securely. P.S. For even more aerial skills including many cross back entries and split shapes, explore Aerial Physique TV - the only aerial app with over 700 tutorials, downloadable lesson plans, exclusive invites to live masterclasses, and more! Want a free sneak peek? Click here for your free trial!