The needle is the next progression of body positions from a scorpion. Possibly the hardest of all body positions, due to the amount of flexibility and muscle control this skill requires. The difference in these two body positions is the position of the chest, closing of the shoulders, and grip on the “pulled” leg. Entering a needle is exactly the same as a scorpion, but the finished body position will be different. The position of the chest and shoulders while performing a needle are closed. This is different than the scorpion because shoulders should be fully opened. A needle should create a straight line from “base” leg to “pulled” leg. Most flyers will grip the “pulled” ankle with both hands, while some place their front hand on the shin of the “pulled” leg in order to straighten the leg and keep the back hand on the “pulled” foot lifting upwards. Needles can also be performed with only one arm gripping the “pulled” leg. A “broken” needle is executed by entering into a “needle” position then bending the “pulled” leg to a 90 degree angle over the flyers front shoulder. Over-splits and conditioning for flexibility is the only way to achieve this body position.