Does the choice of straddle or pike for the glide kip mean anything at all--for example, does it signal whether the kid will find straddle or straight cast handstand easier?
We use straddle for tall kids or kids who struggle a bit with ab strength. We haven't really done much of higher level skills, so I can't comment on that
I personally think that the gymnast that does a straddle kip understands a straddle cast a little bit more than those who pike however most of our taller girls work straddle glide and our taught to do straddle cast.
