Basic Hand Positions in the Horizontal and Vertical Planes

Horizontal Arm Positions

In position 1 the arm is held out to the side at about the level of the top of the head (note that in the photo my hand is a little too low). The palm faces upwards (you can imagine balancing a tray of your favorite beverages) and the fingers point outwards. Keep the fingers together. The name of this position is simply 1








For position 2 the hand is in front of the belly with the palm upwards and the fingers are together and pointing to the opposite side of the body. The elbow is bent and points out to the side. The name of this position is 2









In position 3 the palm is out to the side. Notice that the forearm is internally rotated. From position 2 to position 3 the fingers first point back and then out to the side. In this position it is quite difficult to hold the palm horizontal and keep the fingers together and pointing to the outside. Do the best that you can. The name of this position is 3







In position 4 the hand is over the head with the fingers pointing to the opposite side (just like in position 2). The fingers are together and the palm is facing upwards. The name of this position is 4

Vertical Arm Positions

In position "a" the arm is straight in front of the body with the palm turned outwards. The forearm is internally rotated in this position. Although in the picture my pinky is sticking out a little the fingers should be together and straight.
The name of this position is a








In position "b" the elbow is bent so that the fingers point back at your upper belly. Try to point the elbow forwards as much as possible with the intent of having the palm facing outwards. This is b











Position "c" is very similiar to position "a". The arm is forwards and the elbow is mostly straight. However in this position the forearm is externally rotated. It is very difficult to turn the forearm so that the palm truly faces outwards. Do the best you can. This is c










In position "d" the arm reaches back behind you. Notice how the fingers are straight and together. This should be the case in all positions despite what my pictures show (dagnabit). Have the arm at about shoulder height or just below. This is d








In all of the positions it may be helpful to keep your neck long. Lift your head up away from your ribcage so that your cervical spine feels straight, like it is propping your head from the base of your skull. This gives some room for the neck muscles (your trapezius and levator scapulae) to support your shoulder blades. At the same time try to keep your shoulder blades wide and your chest open. This tends to activate your serratus anterior.
Supporting your shoulder blades you will less likely to tire out your shoulder muscles making it easier to hold your arm in these positions for longer periods of time.

You can Imagine as well that you are a dancer, filling your body with light, and so the taller you stand the more light you contain.