Hi!
I can’t comment on the flag (still working on it https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif ), but for the brass monkey, learn how to get into it with your legs on the floor before you do it from the flag (if you haven’t done this before)! It helps a lot with learning leg placement and which muscles to use.
Basically you need to tilt your head up, engage your abs and back muscles and hook your inside leg (which will be the top leg when you’re in the flag) around the pole. If you learn it from standing first you’ll get used to where you have to kick with your leg – it has to be very close to the pole so you can hook it with less effort. I was kicking far far away from the pole for hours until someone pointed out what I was doing wrong https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif
Also make sure you bring up the other leg at the same time and bend it back as far as you can, because it balances you and keeps you from flopping back.
I learned the whole thing from this vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT8QjcfYlto" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
if you learn the BM from the floor it will be a lot easier from the flag! Good luck! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif