From hands and knees, place the forearms and hands about shoulder width apart and spread the fingers.
Gaze between the forearms or wrists.
Lifting the hips, walk the feet in close, shifting weight into the forearms and keeping the upper back engaged and broad.
Lift one leg up to shift the weight into the arms even more, then kick off the base leg gently.
Keep extending straight up through the top leg as the second leg comes to meet it and balance.
Form tips
Full extension of the shoulder and external rotation of the upper arm is required here, otherwise the straight spine and balance will be difficult.
Avoid allowing the hands to slide toward each other and the elbows to slide away. Hug the elbows in and keep the weight over the forearms, pressing firmly to lift the shoulders away from the ears.
Some who are close to full extension in the shoulders can still balance if they allow a little bit of extension in the back, but this should be avoided if possible, keeping the ribcage drawn in and the tailbone reaching actively toward the heels above.
Risks
Make sure you are comfortable pirouetting or rolling out of the position before attempting freestanding - start with the Wall forearm stand progression.