| a) | proper alignments: |
| i) | width = toe/heel |
| ii) | depth = front foot 1 1/2 length of foot from rear foot |
| iii) | height = bend of rear leg such that front shin is vertical over front toes |
| b) | proper rotation: |
| i) | feet = front - directly forward / rear - forward at 45 degree angle |
| ii) | body = forward at 45 degree angle |
| c) | proper weight distribution: |
| i) | 10% / 90% - weight and positioning primarily over rear foot |
| d) | proper positioning: |
| i) | back vertical |
| ii) | front foot on ball |
Form Specific
| a) | improper positioning: |
| i) | 'cup and saucer' improper positioning - when required |
| b) | proper execution: |
| i) | stance is typically held for a short period of time to emphasis its importance in the form (i.e. slightly longer than a typical transition maneuver) |
Comments
| 1) | Common errors: |
| i) | not having the front foot point forward |
| ii) | not having the proper width (toe / heel alignment) or depth (front vertical shin) |
| iii) | uneven weight distribution (10% / 90%) |
| iv) | not keeping the back up straight |
| v) | not keeping the rear leg bent |
| b) | It is very common to not draw the feet to the proper positioning (depth and rotation) when immediately transitioning to the next move |
Example of proper 45 degree Cat (left)
Example of proper 45 degree Cat (left)
Example of improper foot rotation (front - not facing directly forward) for 45 degree Cat (left)
Example of improper foot rotation (rear - not facing forward at 45 degree angle) for 45 degree Cat (left)
Example of improper width alignment (toe - heel / too wide) for 45 degree Cat (left)
Example of improper width alignment (toe - heel / too narrow) for 45 degree Cat (left)
Example of improper depth alignment (1.5 "feet" / too shallow) for 45 degree Cat (left)
Example of improper depth alignment (1.5 "feet" / too deep) for 45 degree Cat (left)