Time and time again, one of the most common problems I see with layout twisting is that most athletes simply initiate the twist much too early. We all know we need to set, then twist.

But we also know that executing those steps (while upside down in the air) is much easier said than done.

This is where the Twisting Candlestick Fall comes in. This drill basically forces the athlete to do a toe and hip drive (mimicking a layout) before adding their twist as they come down. Take a look below…

Sidenote: About 50% of athletes I see working fulls, shouldn’t be doing so. That’s because their layout shape doesn’t even come CLOSE to being straight. So if you’re having layout issues, please Click Here to check out my complete layout guide, and all the drills that go along with it. 

This drill (and its variations) is how I like to START teaching twisting. To be fair to this athlete, I used one of her not-so-perfect reps so you can see the corrections I wanted to emphasize. Here’s a short list:

• Look into the shoulder of your twisting direction (in her case, it’s left)
• Keep the body hollow and the twisting arm glued to your side
• More aggressive hip drive to tighten the layout shape

Another important thing to note is that we’re only doing a half twist. This is on purpose.

If you’re a coach, and not teaching your athletes how to half twist before the full, you’re only creating headaches for yourself down the road. And if you’re an athlete that just wants to “wrap” their way into a full twist, good luck to you the first time you get lost in the air (this will happen).

Half twists teach you aerial awareness, timing and control. You know, the stuff you’ll need one day for skills such as 1.5 step outs, doubles, kick fulls and even triples.

Until next time, train hard, eat well and stay fierce!