Topic:  The Neutral Position

Student Objective:  Be able to get into the neutral position while maintaining proper foot position and balance.

Teacher Objective:  To give specific congruent feedback to at least four students.

Lesson Description:  This lesson begins by having the students get up onto their boards and uphaul the rig to where they have the mast in both hands.  The neutral position is a very stable position if it is executed properly.  To begin your back will want to be pointed at 12 O'clock which is the direction the wind is coming from.  The sail should be pointed at 6 O'clock so that the sail is perpendicular to the board.  Body position for the neutral position is arms extended, back straight, knees slightly bent, and have your body weight leaning back to counter balance the weight of the rig.  Foot position for the neutral position is to have one foot on either side of the mast right along the center line of the width of the board.  This is how your students should get into the neutral position.

Note:  The neutral position is a key position to know because if you are ever having trouble while sailing, the neutral position is what you should try to return to.

Tasks:
1.  Move from the kneeling position to the neutral position with proper balance and footwork while on the beach
2.  Move from the kneeling position to the neutral position while maintaining proper form while in waist deep water with the center board down
3.  Move from the kneeling position to the neutral position while focussing on counter balancing the rig with body weight in waist deep water with the center board up
4.  Move from the kneeling position to the neutral position while maintaining good balance in deeper water with the center board down
5.  Move from the kneeling position to the neutral position using the correct form for all aspects of the position while in deep water with the center board up

Cues:
Bent knees for stability
Straight arms and a straight back
Lean back to save your strength

Challenges:
Perform task one two times successfully with good balance
Perform task two three times successfully with proper form
Perform task three two times successfully then relax and balance for 2 minutes while holding onto the mast
Perform task four two times successfully then relax and balance for 1 minute while holding onto the mast
Perform task five two times successfully then relax and balance for 1 minute while holding onto the mast