Kneeling Leg Over

Getting Started or Dynamic Elevation Change

An over from a kneeling position using the handler’s bent or straight leg as the over platform is a Kneeling Leg Over

A kneeling over is a flexible trick that can be used for everything from teaching young dogs and basic leaping skills to performing high level athletic and gymnastic maneuvers.


4 Thoughts on the Kneeling Leg Over:

  1. changes in elevation look cool
  2. dog puts their face where the disc is
  3. put the disc between you and your dog
  4. throwing long makes the handler invisible

Elevation Changes are Visually Interesting

groundwork or stuff with the handler on or near the ground contrasts quite well with standing tall, running around, and big leaping. the success of this effect is dependent upon how and when the handler gets from one position to the other.

Cool sequences and tricks often feature elevation changes. These elevation changes can make things look very interesting and provide athletic handlers all kinds of creative opportunities.

In addition to creative movement, elevation changes can change the scale and presentation of leaping. It can make smaller leaps look big and big leaps look huge. Don’t write this trick off because it’s ‘small’. It’s as big as you want to make it.

The Dog Puts Their Face Where the Disc Is

make sure you throw high enough for dog’s body to clear your leg. if the dog puts their face where the disc is then you will need to get the disc at least 20+ inches above your leg for the dog’s body to clear the obstacle.

20 inches is a pretty decent number to shoot for as a minimum clearance above the obstacle when you are placing an over toss. Most people try to put the disc 8-12 inches about the obstacle, and there’s just not enough clearance for the dog’s body to avoid the obstacle.

A history of this low placement can be responsible for all kinds of trouble with the Over behavior – flipping and leaping are also similarly effected.

Remember the dog puts their face where the disc is.

Put the Disc Between You and the Dog

push the disc forward a bit so it is caught between you and where the dog is leaping from. if you place the disc at maximum or a proper leaping height slightly in front of the obstacle the dog cannot touch the obstacle.

Overs should happen slightly in front of the obstacle at maximum or an appropriate and intentional leaping height. This placement means the trajectory of a successful catch will not allow for touching or vaulting off of the obstacle.

The Invisible Get Up – Throw Long to Hide Your Ups and Downs

working on the ground can be hard for bad knees. some people don’t get up so swiftly. a long throw to a leaping dog can make long transitional movements disappear.

If you need time to get up from a kneeling or seated position give a nice long toss before you work your way to your feet. The crowd will be watching your dog as you are getting up. This is the Art of the Invisible Get Up. A long throw to a leaping dog increases the effect.