Takeoff Side/Takeoff Side position without running like a crazy person. Just past the black dashed line is "legal" serp position (but barely so!). The handler shown is in the ideal position, and everything in between the dashed line and the handler is some variation of "acceptable." If you give your positions these labels, it will help you make choices. You are looking for ways to be in the ideal position, as opposed to just "legal" or "acceptable." In some cases, "legal" will only be so because you are moving, and you will, therefore, vacate the dog's landing spot later than preferred. No dog should ever be asked to jump into their handler. The jump before the serp is on the takeoff side of the first jump of the serp, and the jump after the serp is on the takeoff side of the last jump of the serp. This means you should not have a side change. This handler has chosen a strategic lane to travel into the serp. She is far enough off jumps #6 and #7 that she can make serp 1A 10 20 30 10 Please avoid loitering in front of the second serp jump or "bowing out" to get the dog to come in over it (see the study group video link!). 40 50 70 10 8 9 7 20 60 #6 is on takeoff side of first serp jump 10 #10 is on takeoff side of last serp jump 30 20 30 6 40 Takeoff Side/Takeoff Side The green jumps are the serp jumps. The jump leading into the serp (jump #6) is on the takeoff side of the first jump of the serp (jump #7). The jump after the serp (jump #10) is on the takeoff side of the last jump of the serp (jump #9). This means a side change is not required. 40 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 1B Legal serp position 8 9 7 10 Ideal serp position 6 September 20 | Clean Run This handler is far enough off jumps #6 and #7 that she can make serp position without running like a crazy person. Just past the black dashed line is "legal" serp position (but barely so!). The handler shown is in the ideal position and everything in between the dashed line and the handler is some variation of "acceptable." 53