It's Technique Tip time! I'm excited to share one of my favorite skills that I often teach in my Int/Adv classes—the Ankle Basket! This skill is beautiful on its own and seamlessly transitions into Catchers, Back Balance, or even an S-Wrap.
Let's break it down step by step so you can move through it safely and effectively.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Make sure to warm up your pike and strengthen your flex with the hammock knot drill shown in the video before attempting the full skill.
Invert with split silks – Crochet your feet and cross once behind your back.
Pass the tails to your armpits – Extend your arms forward and flip your grip so your thumbs point up.
Straddle your legs out – Sit up and grab both the tails and poles together.
Lift one foot up – Sickle it around the pole momentarily, passing through a single-leg bird’s nest.
Slide your hips down – Bend your knees, creating a 'basket' position.
Cross one tail in front, one behind – This creates an X wrap.
Extend one leg out – Pike deeply.
Super flex your foot – The front of your ankle should meet the X wrap.
Pull the tails down – This stabilizes your position.
Pass the tail to the same side as your flexed foot – This helps reinforce the wrap.
Grab the tail with your free arm – Make a shelf around your lower back.
From here, you can transition – Wrap for Catchers, point your top foot to release and pass through an S-Wrap, or go into a Back Balance.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them:
Losing the Wrap
If your foot is pointed or sickled, the wrap can slip off. Keep your foot flexed to maintain security.
Ensure the X wrap is placed near your ankle, not your toes, to prevent unraveling.
Too Much Slack in the Wrap
If there’s excess slack, the silk won’t secure properly, making the position unstable.
When grabbing the tails, take only a small amount of slack to keep the wrap snug.
Not Piking Enough
A deep pike enhances the shape and stability of the position.
The better your pike, the more successful the skill will be.
Lack of Stability in the Exit
Pull down on the tails with intention when passing them to your side to ensure a secure position.
Advanced Variations & Additional Tips:
Optional Spin – Once comfortable, experiment with adding a spin for extra flair.
Split Variation – Pull into a split and grab your heel.
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