Russian Lever and progressions

[gymrob]

Hey guys,

At present I'm not a terribly strong gymnast at present but aspire to be strong. Part of this is acquiring static skills such as russian lever. I was wondering what is the difference between a russian lever and V sit? Are they the same, because on parallets, I can do an L sit, and I think a V sit because my body makes a V shape but I would like to be able to have my knees just infront of my face.

I understand this takes a lot of core and hip flexor strength?

I have started to work seated pike lifts and holds. Is this enough for specifcally the compression needed for russian lever and other skills such as pike press to handstand?

Thanks

[Blairbob]

Looks the same to me.

Hip flexor strength and flexible hamstrings. Support and ab strength.