Decide whether you already have enough climb
Compare the next opening with your current position and recent trail. If the companion is already rising, it may not need an immediate flip. The useful question is where the existing curve would carry it by the time it reaches the branches.
If it is falling, a reversal changes the bend but does not erase the downward heading at once. Begin correcting while there is open space. Waiting until the companion is directly beside the lower branch can leave insufficient room to climb safely.
Turn the climb into an entry path
As you gain height, watch the upper branch as well as the center of the gap. A trajectory aimed at the center can continue above it during the crossing. Reverse in time to reduce the upward component, leaving space for the full body.
For example, if you arrive at the near edge just below center but with a steep rise, the far upper corner may still be on your path. A flatter entry from slightly lower can offer more useful clearance than an aggressive climb toward an exact point.
Respect the top of the clearing
The route to a high opening must remain inside the clearing throughout the approach. A large upward loop can end the run before a branch collision is possible. Do not use the top boundary as a place to wait for the next gate.
With a floating companion, upward drift also contributes to the climb; with a sinking companion, the climb needs to account for downward pull. Learn this difference through one consistent setup first. If repeated misses alternate between the lower and upper branch, reduce the size of your timing changes rather than switching companions mid-drill.