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    Calisthenics.dk

    Pull · Calisthenics

    Straddle Back Lever - The complete guide

    The straddle back lever is the step between tuck and full back lever - the legs spread wide to shorten the lever arm without fully tucking the knees in.

    How to perform it

    1. 1Start from an inverted hang with an overhand grip
    2. 2Roll so your back faces the floor, as in the tuck back lever
    3. 3Extend your legs and spread them wide into a straddle
    4. 4Keep your hips in line with your shoulders - no sagging
    5. 5Keep your arms fully straight throughout the hold

    Common mistakes

    ⚠️ Not straddling wide enough, so the load stays close to a full back lever
    ⚠️ Hips break the line and sag
    ⚠️ Moving to straddle too early without a solid tuck foundation

    Progression - the path to mastering it

    1. Tuck back lever 15-20 seconds
    2. Advanced tuck back lever
    3. Straddle back lever 3-5 seconds
    4. Straddle back lever 10+ seconds
    5. Full back lever

    FAQ

    How wide should the straddle be?

    Wide enough to feel a clear reduction in load compared to legs together - most people use a near-full split width at first.

    How long should I hold advanced tuck before trying straddle?

    At least 15-20 seconds solid in the advanced tuck back lever, otherwise you're missing the foundation for the straddle version.

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