The tic-tac can be done as a singular move, but is also very effective as a linking technique. It can be used as a vault alternative when there is a wall next to the obstacle, or to gain height. It can also be used to gain extra distance from a jump. In this example, it will be used to gain height.
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| Click the photo (above) to download a video of this technique.
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Your run up is important for every movement. With the tic-tac, you need to make sure that your last step is a suitable distance away from the wall. If you find yourself running at quite a steep angle to the wall, you will need to angle your foot on your last step slightly. Notice that in the example, I’m already leaning slightly towards the direction that I will end up heading in.
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When you push off the ground, try to jump up more than you do towards the wall. Your run up should’ve provided you with enough momentum to meet the wall with the right force. Your other leg should have swung up ready to make contact with the wall. By this point you will want to start turning your head towards the direction where you want to be going.
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Your foot should now be placed on the wall at a comfortable height - high enough to be worth doing, but low enough so that you can get your body nicely above it. That leg should also be slightly bent, so that you can push away from the wall with good force. The knee on your other leg should have come up - you will need to point it out in the direction you wish to go. Notice that in the example I am now looking directly at where I am going. |
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Push away from the wall firmly, making sure to extend your leg fully to exert maximum force. Your other leg should now be going in the direction you wish to go. Your arms should have swung across too, to help with momentum. Stay focused on your landing.
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You’ll probably land on your leading leg first, but try to get both legs together. Your arms should be coming out to help with balance, if you need to.
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You’ve landed, and are ready to continue onwards.
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Variations
As said earlier, the tic-tac is a linking move. tic-tac to precision and tic-tac to cat leap are common combinations, and are good when you need to get around a corner or change direction. Since the tic-tac is useful for gaining height, it can also be used as an alternative to a wallop (if you have 2 walls close enough together). Variations on the core movement of the tic-tac include the wall run and 360 tic-tac. The wall run is similar, but you take multiple steps (usually 3). It is a useful move for gaining extra height or distance. The 360 tic-tac is more of an embellishment, but is also useful - the movement begins similar, but the rotation is in the opposite direction. 360 tic-tac are generally 2 step, beginning with the same leg as a usual tic-tac, then the other so that you are facing the wall. This move is complicated as you are turning inwards as such, and it is therefore harder to spot your landing.
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