Quick answer: a low touchdown is the mirror opposite of a touchdown - both arms extend straight down, parallel and close together, instead of reaching overhead.
What Does It Look Like?
Both arms point straight down, locked and parallel, held close together in front of the thighs. It's the same parallel-arm shape as a touchdown, just pointed at the floor.
Hands and Arms
The fists are tight, elbows straight and the wrists in line with the arms. The shoulders stay level and down. Because the arms are hanging down, the position relies on deliberately tensing the arms - a relaxed low touchdown just looks like standing still.
Common Mistakes Judges Notice
- Soft, relaxed arms, so the position reads as "doing nothing" rather than a deliberate motion.
- Arms drifting apart into a low V or out to the sides like a clean.
- Bent elbows or wrists.
- Inconsistent placement across the team - some arms in front of the thighs, some at the sides.
| Touchdown | Low Touchdown | Clean | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arm direction | Straight up, fully overhead | Straight down, close together in front of the thighs | Straight down at the sides |
| Typical use | High-energy accent | Deliberate low accent | Neutral reset between motions |
Where It Fits in a Routine
Low touchdowns appear in chants and dances as a grounded accent, often in contrast with an overhead touchdown - for example snapping from a low touchdown up to a touchdown on consecutive counts. They're also used as a sharp, held position while other athletes perform a featured section.
Easily Confused With
- Clean - also arms down, but at the sides as a neutral reset rather than a deliberate accent. Some teams use the two names almost interchangeably.
- Low V - arms down but angled out.
A Note on Naming
Motion names aren't standardised by any governing body, so the exact placement of a low touchdown - in front of the thighs or straight down at the sides - can vary slightly between gyms. Your coach's version is the one that counts for your routine.
Related Motions
See the touchdown, clean and low V, or browse the full motion chart.