What would be the best way to approach a headown position?

[genfreefly 0]

hi andrea
if you are backsliding, then that means that wind in pushing you from the front of you body (somewhere).
i suggest you play around with 'pitch'. I mean the pitch or angle your body is at.
When you transition, on purpose try to keep your legs in front of your body and your head back. This should make you backslide (as the wind would be pushing the front of your body, you belly, front of legs, face, etc..)

then, make a transition and on purpose try to do the opposite, try to put your legs behind you and your head in front. This should make you go forward.
This should give you an idea of the two extremes.

then, you'll be able to figure out the 'middle' position you need to fall straight down.
to fly head down, our muscles and balance have to do lots of things (constantly), so its common for beginners not to be sure of all the pressure and counter pressure.

really think about where your legs are when you transition (in front of you, or behind you?). I recommend to try this 'trial and error' method so you can on purpose try to get them (your legs) in front of you and on purpose try to get them behind you, that way, hopefully, you'll notice a difference and you'll start to feel where the wind is hitting you..

If you stand on the ground (on one leg), and practice 'teetering' (as in teeter/totter, like a see/saw, sorry, its difficult to put into words),
so practice on the ground 'teetering' with your head forward and legs back for one motion, and head back and legs forward for the opposite motion.
when you do this, obviously you'll only be able to move one leg, as the other leg you are standing with.
you'll get a feel for the balance of forward and back.
remember, the initial goal is to get a feel for the 'pitch' of our body in relation to applying it to falling straight down.
Its a lesson on going straight down, by indirectly using forward and back motion ideas to increase your awareness (translation, work on falling straight down before you work on going forward and back)

good luck, sorry for a slightly confusing suggestion (its tough in writing sometimes)
best regards
max

[AggieDave 6]

Good post.

Max, when are you coming back to Texas?

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[genfreefly 0]

thanks,
not sure when i'll be in texas again, hopefully sooner than later ;-)

fyi, i'll be round lake wales florida over this christmas and new years if anyone wants to stop by and say 'hi'
i'll be doing some fun jumping, so coaching and some organizing.
over the 27,28,29, GF instructor Patrick Heaney will also be there, we'll be organizing/coaching all weekend...
i'll be there from the 22nd through the new year.
everybody have a great, safe holiday!
max