PREPARATION DRILL, EXERCISE 9: BENT-LEG BODY TWIST
Purpose: This exercise strengthens trunk muscles and promotes control of trunk rotation (Figure 8-9 ).
Starting Position: Supine position with the hips and knees bent to 90-degrees, arms sideward and palms down. The knees and feet are together.
Cadence: SLOW
Count:
- Rotate the legs to the left while keeping the upper back and arms in place.
- Return to the starting position.
- Repeat count 1 to the right.
- Return to the starting position.

Check Points:
- Tighten the abdominal muscles in the starting position and maintain this contraction throughout the exercise.
- The head should be off the ground with the chin slightly tucked.
- Ensure that the hips and knees maintain 90-degree angles.
- Keep the feet and knees together throughout the exercise.
- Attempt to rotate the legs to about 8 to 10 inches off the ground. The opposite shoulder must remain in contact with the ground.
Precautions: This exercise is always performed at a slow cadence. Do not rotate the legs to a point beyond which the opposite arm and shoulder can no longer maintain contact with the ground.