Expert: Steve Michaud - 4/5/2001

Question
When is the correct time to straddle the legs out on an X-out? I was told that it was after the body had fully rotated to an upside down position but this seems a little late to me. Is it supposed to be the same timing as a punch open? That seems a little early to me. I would like to be a little more sure of what I doing when teaching these to my team kids. Since it is a relatively new trick, I am getting conflicting opinions on the technique.  Also, what is the desired location of the arms during the trick? Thanks for your help! Tracey

Answer
This is a GREAT question...unfortunately if you ask 100 people you may very well get 100 different answers.  It is really a stylistic preference I think.  The technique should be very similar to the former level 6 gymnastics skill of the back tuck open...the layout happened at the top or as the feet would open to point towards the ceiling.  It is important that they remain in a hollow position to continue rotation...if they arch they will tend to land short.  So to clarify I would say open up as they hit verticle or just past (clock like...12 or 12:30).

Another variaion that I have seen a lot of is just a straddled layout...no tuck.  It has a very similar effect, but doesn't have the timing issues...it is actually more difficult to perform, but some judges may see it as a bit easier because there is no timing of that opening.  Visually I go back and forth on what I like better.  If you have 5 of them (or just 1) and they have them timed perfectly...the tuck open can be very impressive...but if they can not seem to make them coordinate...the layout position is your best bet.  Play with both and see what your kids prefer.

As for the arms, I have them grab on top of their shins as they do their tucks and then push the arms straight down to their hips when they go to the straddle...almost like pushing their knees down.  I find this position makes it easier to keep the hollow they need.

If you need more clarification write back.  Good luck and let me know how it goes!

Steve Michaud
Cheer Director
ENA, NJ