Maltese

These notes combine advice from 7 reviewed passages across 6 workouts.

Overview

Maltese-related work uses a broad, open-arm position across ring, planche, and handstand contexts. It is advanced, physically demanding work that can also contribute to planche preparation.

Position and hand spacing

Keep the spacing of each skill distinct. Use shoulder-width hands for handstand, slightly narrower spacing for front and back lever, and slightly wider than shoulder width for an ordinary planche. Opening a planche much farther changes the demand toward the substantially harder Maltese position.

In the specific Maltese-like inverted position that received a stability correction, bring the hands slightly inward toward the ears and push upward strongly. This adjustment was associated with less unwanted movement.

Training and routine planning

Choose routine elements according to how much preparation time is available and whether each element can be shown cleanly. A simpler element that can be polished may be a better routine choice than a more ambitious skill that remains unfinished.

Allow for sustained practice when planning Maltese work. The rough estimates given were about six months for a Maltese handstand or general Maltese acquisition, compared with about two years for a polished full planche.

Coach’s experience

In his own training, the coach was working on the floor or planche Maltese. He judged that he needed more upper-body development to improve the balance while continuing his leg-based acrobatics.