Forgive me but there are a couple of matters which have not been cleared up.
Throttle closed whilst sucking in.
Throttle set = 1/2-1 inch.
Blowing out I always did 12 blades, backwards with the throttle fully open.
Phraseology. If the switches are to be off, the words are "Switches Off". If they are to be on, the word "Contact" is to be used. It's a safety matter.
Most importantly, the man who is swinging the propeller is in charge. Do as he says.
If you find yourself in the cockpit as the most experienced man then you can tell him what he needs to do but you must still do as he says.
On being the swinger. The pressure of a flat hand against the front surface is sufficient; perhaps the skin of the finger tips around the trailing edge. There is no need, on gypsies, to have any joints around the blade in case of a blowback.
Stand beneath the blade and fall/step diagonally across the propeller arc bringing your hand to your side. Then the only way you can fall is out of the way!
Get good instruction!
Have Fun!