Spatchcock on flypole✨

Hey aerialist friends! Today I wanted to chat about one of those 'dream moves' that felt impossible for ages: the Spatchcock pole move. You know, that stunning split on the pole, defying gravity with just one arm? Yeah, that one. For so long, I'd scroll through Instagram, seeing incredible aerialists effortlessly hold their Spatchcock on flypole, and I just thought, 'Wow, maybe one day.' Well, I'm thrilled to share that 'one day' is here, and I finally achieved it! My journey to the pole Spatchcock wasn't a quick one. It took a lot of dedication, a few frustrating falls (always with a mat, of course!), and a lot of targeted training. If you're eyeing this advanced aerialarts trick, here's what I learned along the way to help you get there too. First off, let's talk prerequisites. Before you even think about attempting a Spatchcock, you need a solid foundation. This isn't a beginner move! Make sure you're comfortable with strong inversions, shoulder mounts, and ideally, an Ayesha. Good V-splits or a flat front split will also make your life a lot easier. Flexibility is key, but so is incredible strength. For strength building, I really focused on a few areas. Grip strength is non-negotiable. I incorporated dead hangs and active hangs into my routine, and even tried some towel hangs to really challenge my forearms. My core strength also got a major upgrade with consistent leg raises and hollow body holds – seriously, your core does so much work in the Spatchcock to keep you stable. And don't forget your shoulders! Active shoulder engagement is crucial for safety and stability, so work on those shoulder presses and push-ups. When it came to actually breaking down the move, I found it easiest to enter from an Ayesha. The hand placement is critical: your top hand typically takes a strong cup grip, while the bottom arm is straight and engaged, pushing into the pole to create space. Then, it's all about slowly extending those legs into your splits, engaging your core to prevent your body from swaying. It feels like a beautiful, controlled struggle! Doing the Spatchcock on flypole adds another layer of challenge and beauty. The dynamic nature of the flypole means you need even more core engagement to stabilize yourself and control the spin. While a static pole might offer a bit more security for your initial attempts, there's something truly magical about hitting that Spatchcock mid-spin on a flypole. The feeling of defying gravity and creating that stunning line is just unmatched. Some common pitfalls I encountered? Not fully engaging my bottom shoulder – it's easy to just hang, but that active push is vital. Also, grip slipping is real! Make sure your hands are clean and dry, and use grip aid if needed. And remember to keep your chin up and eyes focused; looking down can throw you off balance. My biggest tip? Be patient with yourself. This move takes time, consistency, and a lot of trust in your body. Don't be afraid to break it down into smaller steps, using a spotter or crash mats until you feel totally secure. The day I finally held my Spatchcock pole move cleanly, it felt like all those hours of training were worth it. Keep pushing, keep training smart, and you'll get there too, fellow aerialist!