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Number of Repetitions: Walk forward and backward 15 feet for 4 cycles in the duck position and forward and backward 15 feet for 4 cycles in the pigeon position. Do this each day for 2 weeks.
Goal: To walk forward and backward in the two positions, smoothly and easily, maintaining the stick in a level position. This must be done easily before progressing to the next duck and pigeon exercise.
Exercise:
1. Stand in the duck position, feet outward, holding the stick with both thumbs pointed in toward the middle of the stick (Figure 1).
Figure 1
- Walk forward 15 feet, maintaining this position. Then walk backward 15 feet (Figure 2).
Figure 2
- Stand in pigeon position, feet inward, holding the stick with the thumbs pointed outward (Figure 3).
Figure 3
- Walk forward and backward in this position (Figure 4).
Figure 4
Observations:
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Stick does not stay level.
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Hands or arms turn while walking.
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Upper body does not maintain upright position—sways.
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Upper body does not maintain upright position—bends forward or backward.
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Facial movements—clenched jaw, jaw moving, tongue sticking out.
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Legs too straight–knees are locked while walking.
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Hips rotate or twist.
