Back is to the mat and your legs are crossed at the ankles - it's how one would sit if watching t.v. on the floor-
I constantly cue to keep the back to the mat, chin away from chest, yada, yada, yada...Now, have them literally 'climb up a rope' on three counts...right hand, left hand, right hand bring it down...and start all over again...
I find myself saying 'deep, deeper, deepest'...or one, two, three bring it down...If they find it difficult to use their hands to climb then I cue to have their hands (unlocked) behind the head...elbows wide, breathe and of course squeeze.
This is fun and a great one to mix with all kinds of other ab work!
**Also, if they find it more comfortable with their feet flat on the floor vs. crossed than that's okay too...I find it that I feel it more if the legs are crossed...to each his own!
My first entry! Please contact me if nothing makes sense!