Body Postions

[phrog12 0]

Can Anyone tell me the difference between the two body postions "The Box" , and "The Praying Mantis". And what the advantages if any.

"Do or Do not there is no try" Yoda

[Kris 0]

You'll probably get better results posting this in the RW forum. You might also do a search as I think it has been discussed before, but my understanding of it is this:

Boxman: More stable, not as quick on point moves as the mantis due to inherent stability.

Mantis: Nowhere near as stable as the boxman but much faster point movement possible due to that instability.

With the boxman, you're flying with your arms in the same position that you learned as a freefall student. With the mantis, you have your hands in under your breast bone with your elbows out.

If you get the chance to watch some serious RW video (Airspeed, Knights) you will see the Mantis in all its glory. It's actually pretty fascinating to watch.

If I'm wrong, someone please correct the poor explanation from a freeflailer.

Kris

Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and
Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™

[nacmacfeegle 0]

Go to www.skydivemag.com and type Mantis into the search box....You should get the answers you need.

--------------------

He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson

[weid14 0]

Quote

You'll probably get better results posting this in the RW forum. You might also do a search as I think it has been discussed before, but my understanding of it is this:

Boxman: More stable, not as quick on point moves as the mantis due to inherent stability.

Mantis: Nowhere near as stable as the boxman but much faster point movement possible due to that instability.

With the boxman, you're flying with your arms in the same position that you learned as a freefall student. With the mantis, you have your hands in under your breast bone with your elbows out.

If you get the chance to watch some serious RW video (Airspeed, Knights) you will see the Mantis in all its glory. It's actually pretty fascinating to watch.

If I'm wrong, someone please correct the poor explanation from a freeflailer.

Kris

pretty much got it, with the exception of the hands under the breast bone. you actually have them out in front of your face like you're catching a football thrown at your forehead.

[mouth 0]

The mantis is cool once you manage to hit the stability point because you can adjust your fall rate just by raising or lowering your elbows. It is also a head high position so you can see better for keying points. Doug (Nemesis) had me grip my wrist when I was first learning the position because that makes you aware of where your hands should be.

Lisa

--
Hot Mama
At least you know where you stand even if it is in a pile of shit.

[Kennedy 0]

and I thought this thread would be a good one to start my day off right.

BAH!!

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Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards.
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[happythoughts 0]

Quote

Can Anyone tell me the difference between the two body postions "The Box" , and "The Praying Mantis". And what the advantages if any.

When doing 4-way, teams wanted to clearly show the "break" between points. They pulled their arms in to show it distinctly. This was part of the development of the mantis and one of its advantages.