Arch Stability Doubts

I finally got to the moment where I've actually started to use the book I bought quite some time ago. I've came across a real hindrance as to how the proper Arch as well as Finger Stands should really look like. The thing is I've managed to achieve a proper hand shape with the metacarpal-phalangeal arch nicely curved and placed above the wrist, but when I keep the hand relaxed and at rest at the table or at the piano, I can easily collapse the whole structure by pushing on the joints. The problem doesn't really occur when I exert some force on the surface (I don't mean a muscle tension, but rather the "proper" force that comes out from trying to play with the fingers which I suppose are at the moment quite well positioned). I don't know where did I go wrong or maybe I just interpret your words wrongly? Best wishes (or what should I write here?) Szymon

Did you watch the film, chapter 1? I think it explains it pretty clearly. You are doing nothing wrong. To get the fingers into just that curve where they won't collapse, even while they exert no internal effort, is very difficult, and I show that. Also in Honing I point out how much better the arch works when there is a wire pulling on it from its inside rather than weight exerted on it from the outside. A third way to get your arch working is to do a whole finger pull where the bottom joint (the fingertip joint) even splays - it hyperextends. But this "collapse" is not at all bad - watch Misha Dacic, many times he plays like this. It's a convenient way of accessing the massive power of the finger without having to worry about the fine tuning. Try leaving the fine tuning for later and just getting the feel of a good, whole-finger pull... AFF