This is one of the first 'big' drops many aerialists learn. There are many factors that contribute to the success of this drop, let's chat about 'em!
Watch the video below for a breakdown.
✔️ The Set-Up 1) Begin from S-Wrap (any entry). 2) Keep the tail behind you, wrap your bottom leg followed by your tummy from front to back (remember BLT - back, leg, tummy). 3) Extend your top leg and sickle your foot around the pole (you can also opt to drop directly from the knee hook although it's more challenging to sit shoulders up). 4) Grab the pole next to the top foot to help sit shoulders up. 5) Bottom hand holds the tail with the arm reaching next to the ear. 6) Release top hand & foot at the same time to rotate down. 7) When learning it's best for both hands to grab the tail to lessen the chance of error. V for Victory and T for trouble can be a helpful reminder. If arms wander to a T shape it's possible that your upper body may run into the pole on your way down which can result in a shoulder or ribcage injury and a fabric burn to boot. If your arms wander in front of your chest, it's possible that the tail could wrap around your head and neck. ❌ The Mistakes #1 The tummy wrap is on the ribcage which can cause broken ribs & intercostal tears. It should be around your waist when dropping. #2 Shoulders are too low prior to dropping. Lift shoulders high to the side using the obliques. Placing your top hand near your foot helps too! #3 The bottom leg is in a split instead of a straddle. This causes the lower back to arch and incorrect leg placement. Instead, aim for a wide straddle with ribcage toward the hips. #4 The hands wander in front of the chest instead of reaching overhead. This can lead to the tail getting wrapped around the neck. In addition, floppiness in the body can make you more prone to injury when dropping & the drop can hurt more! When we are fearful it's human instinct to contract into a fetal position. When it comes to drops, this fact can be extremely dangerous. It's common for Double Stars to go wrong because of our natural tendency to want to contract instead of keeping the legs in a wide straddle with arms reaching overhead. Thinking 'tight is light' & trying to resist the direction the drop is taking you can help with the control factor. I'd love to see your Double Star progress! Tag me on Instagram @aerialphysique & #iloveap.
With encouragement, Jill