A dynamic method of push hands, is to use tree branches as wooden dummies, to practice sparring techinques. When one pushes on a green-live limb, it will push back relative to it's size, the angle you push at, and the force exerted. If a branch is stronger, it will either remain stationary, or push you back. This forces a good rooting by the practitioner.

If the tree limb dead, and not to large, it will break, being good practice for external blows, and redirecting internal blows. Once the branch has broken, it is a good sharp cutting object, to practice on.

The tree and branches are good for practicing covers (a deflected strike that blocks, all at the same time).

Stationary limbs are also good for grabbing techniques, pulling oneself in closer for a strike, or pushing off and spinning to flank.

To make things more internal, and develop your lower Dan Tien's seeing ability, this can be done at night, or blindfolded.

At a higher level, one charges through thickly forested woods, bushwacking their way, and going with the flow. One might trip, but that is all part of the training, since this will help train deflection and rolling techniques. This can also be done at night, but protective glasses are recommended.

This training, emphasizes general principles of moving and internal energy. It does not use static, and pre-set methods. This causes one not to use pre-conditioned responses, but to see with their Lower Dan Tien, and their hands.

In the internal, the energy is the same whether blocking or striking, it changes to suite the environment, like water flowing.

For hard style breaking, dead trees in various stages of decay, are good practice, they addittionaly check your rooting and balance. Open-handed cutting and piercing strikes may likewise be tested on dead wood, and partially burnt wood.