I can't breathe at the bottom of a dragon flag

I can absolutely relate to the struggle you're facing. Hitting a plateau despite your best efforts is incredibly frustrating, and not being able to conquer a dragon flag is a clear sign that something isn't clicking. The good news is, there are some key reasons this might be happening, and actionable steps you can take to start making progress again. The core issue is often rooted in an imbalance - either between the different muscle groups you're training, or in the overall training load vs. recovery. When we zero in on a specific skill like the dragon flag, we can end up over-training certain muscles while neglecting the complementary ones that provide the necessary stability and support. This leads to imbalances that manifest as an inability to progress on the move itself. The first thing I'd suggest is taking a step back to assess your overall program. Are you hitting all the major muscle groups with sufficient volume and intensity? Focusing too narrowly on just core/abdominal work can leave critical supporting muscles lagging behind. Our Plateau Breakthrough guide has a great framework for evaluating your program balance - I'd recommend reviewing the "Training Volume" and "Muscular Balance" chapters to identify any glaring gaps. Secondly, make sure you're allowing adequate recovery time between sessions. Pushing too hard, too often can lead to systemic fatigue that undermines your progress. The "Deload Weeks" section of the guide outlines how strategic rest periods can be the key to smashing through a plateau. Experiment with lighter, active recovery workouts to maintain momentum while giving your body a chance to recharge. Finally, don't overlook the importance of refining your technique. Even the most well-rounded training plan won't get you there if your dragon flag form is off. Revisit the core mechanics, pay close attention to body alignment, and consider reaching out to a qualified coach for fresh eyes and personalized feedback. The "Skill Acquisition" chapter has some great tips on optimizing your movement patterns. Stick with it, and I'm confident you'll start to see a breakthrough. Once you dial in that balance, recovery, and technique, you'll be crushing dragon flags and wondering how you ever struggled with them. The journey gets so much sweeter on the other side of a plateau.