How to Practice Arching at Home

Why do we learn to arch?

The neutral body position, or arch position, is the first body position that skydivers and tunnel fliers learn. This position is the most stable position in freefall and, in the case of skydiving, it gives a clear space for the parachute to come out during deployment.

Note: you can deploy your parachute while in any body position, but the opening may not be as nice. However, never sacrifice altitude for stability; the most important task on every jump is to pull.

Watch the video

How can I practice this body position?

Practice standing up first-it’s much easier on your back. Follow these steps:

  1. Stand about a foot away from a wall or doorway with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.

  2. Lean into the wall so that only your pelvis is touching it: there should be space between your chest and the well and your thighs and the wall.

  3. Look up at the ceiling while keeping your upper body relaxed.

  4. Lazily add your arms in a 90/90 or goalpost position and maintain floppy hands.

  5. Slowly get on your tiptoes, reminding yourself to engage your legs.

Evaluate your body position

  1. Are you stil looking at the ceiling? Your body tends to follow your head: keeping your chin up will help you manitain your arch.

  2. Is your upper body relaxed? Someone should be able to easily move your arms if they wanted. If you have rigid hands or your upper body is beginning to shake, this is an indication that you are not relaxed.

  3. Is only your pelvis touching the wall?

After vertical practice comes horizontal practice

Make sure that you’ve got nothing in your pockets and find a comfortable surface. A partner is very helpful for this part so that you are able to engage your legs too.

  1. Have your partner position their hads so that one will be under each of your shins.

  2. Lift your chest and legs off the surface so that only your pelvis is touching, while putting your hands into the 90/90 or goalpost position and pushing back on your partners’ hands.

  3. Look forward at a point that is about 3 feet above the surface your laying on.

  4. Keep your hands and upper body relaxed.

Christina Arango