This is rather difficult to perform, and requires a deal of practice, but it is an indispensable exercise.
When in this position (Fig. 6) endeavour to revolve completely round the bar like a wheel on its axis. To do this you must throw the upper part of the body forward with a good swing, at the same time keeping the arms rigid, and giving yourself sufficient impetus to go round, coming up into the original position.
Get into position as in Fig. 3, then drop the right side of the body, simultaneously throwing the left leg over the bar as in Fig. 7, and swing the other leg which will have the effect of bringing you up over the bar. Endeavour to come up with the body upright, as in Fig. 8.
You will experience some difficulty in doing this, and your first attempt will no doubt result in a mere scramble up, but persevere until success rewards your efforts.
There is another method you may try--viz., to bring the leg up through the hands, and, with a good swing, bring yourself up, as in Fig. 8.
One method is perhaps as good as the other, but neither can be neatly performed without continual practice.
When in position, as in Fig. 8, swing the right leg out behind, at the same time shifting the left leg backward until the bend of the knee catches the bar (Fig. 9).
Keep the arms straight, and throw the head back with a good swing, just enough to bring you round the bar into the original position. You must be careful in judging the swing, otherwise you will find that you cannot stop yourself, and will make a half turn too much. After a little practice you will be able to judge the first swing to a nicety, and come up with a good balance. Now do several turns without stopping, always remembering to finish above the bar.
For the forward leg swing, turn the hands the other way, leaning the weight of the body on the arms; throw the head forward, and, with one bold plunge, keeping the body erect, and holding tightly on to the bar, make the revolution (Fig. 10).
Do not be content with accomplishing this with one leg only, but practise with right and left alternately.
The forward swing will tax your confidence more than the backward, but it is really not more difficult. You will, after a little practice, be able to make several revolutions in succession. This has a very dashing appearance.