Technique Tip: Front Walkover Mount

The Front Walkover Mount is a fun way to get onto the silks without using a traditional climb, but it can also take time, confidence and plenty of practice. It took me a couple of years before I felt fully comfortable with it.

I don’t come from a gymnastics background. In fact, I think the last gymnastics class I took was when I was around four. I stubbed my toe on the balance beam, saw that it was bleeding and promptly decided gymnastics was not for me! Dance background? Yes. Gymnastics? Not so much.

I share this because the Front Walkover Mount is definitely a more gymnastics-y skill, but you do not need a solid handstand practice or even a full front walkover to begin working on it.

Even if, like me, you don’t come from a gymnastics background, this skill may still be possible for you. If you can kick up with a supported shoulder, move your legs through a scissor or split pathway and securely connect your knee to the silk, you already have the key pieces needed for the entry!

I consider this an intermediate-to-advanced mount, so always use a crash mat while learning and, when possible, have a knowledgeable spotter nearby.

Watch the video breakdown below, then use the step-by-step tips to guide your practice.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/6f18d8_0a697e57050346c6a9e076aa51cc0242/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Safety first: Use a crash mat and, when possible, have a knowledgeable spotter nearby while learning this entry.

Please note that a thick crash mat may feel less stable than the floor or a firmer panel mat. Because the surface is soft, your hand may sink slightly and your elbow may bend as you kick up. However, it is possible to miss the knee hook during your first attempts, as you saw in the video, so I want you to be well cushioned while learning!

Step 1: Find the right hand height

Wrap your supporting wrist around the silk and adjust the height. Too high or too low can make it difficult to support your weight. For many people, shoulder height is a good starting point. When you lean forward, your supporting arm should be straight and stacked beneath your shoulder. The wrapped arm moves into internal shoulder rotation.

Step 2: Set up your kick-up

Place your free hand on the mat directly beneath the rigging point. This helps keep your movement centered and reduces swinging. If your hand is placed off-center, you will likely swing as you kick up.

Step the same-side leg forward. For example:

Right hand goes down → right leg steps forward → left leg kicks up

This skill requires commitment, so spend time practicing the kick-up before attempting the full entry.

Step 3: Practice handstand kick-ups

Practice handstand kick-ups on the floor to build confidence, shoulder stability and comfort shifting your weight onto your hands. If handstand kick-ups are new to you, practicing with a wall behind you can be helpful. Keep in mind that kicking up on a firm floor or panel mat may feel more stable than performing the same action on a thick crash mat.

Step 4: Pass through a split or scissor position

As you kick up, allow your legs to pass through a split or scissor position.

If your right hand is on the mat, your left leg needs to travel just beyond the silk. This creates enough space for you to hook the opposite knee. A full split is not required.

Step 5: Hook the knee

Once the left leg passes beyond the silk, hook your right knee onto it, arriving in an opposite knee climb. Aim to hook your knee onto the silk rather than onto your supporting hand. This is where some trial and error comes in. You may need to adjust your hand placement, the amount of power in your kick-up and how fully you commit to the movement.

Remember: The hand placed on the mat matches the knee that hooks.

Right hand down → left leg passes beyond the silk → right knee hooks

You don’t have to complete the full mount right away for your practice to be valuable. Building confidence in your kick-up, strengthening your shoulders and becoming more comfortable shifting your weight forward are all meaningful progress.

Take your time, use the appropriate safety precautions and celebrate each step along the way. Some skills need more patience and that makes finally getting them feel even more rewarding.

Happy training! Jill