Back Handspring?

Question

So, im going to gymnastics and working on my back handspring, but the guy is telling me that i dont arch my back enough when i jump back wards...any tips?

Answer 1

G'day <3cheerxoxo,

Thank you for your question.

Here are some hints for a better back handspring.

1. Build your leg muscles and jumping ability. At the basis of your back handspring is your ability to jump back far and high. You can practice this by standing right in front of plushy mats that are about 2-3 feet high, and seeing how far back you can jump.

2. Start in a standing position with your feet together and your knees together.

3. Lean back in an off-balance position. You should move your arms back behind you.

4. Spring off the floor with a strong push from your legs and feet.

5. Swing your arms upward over your head.

6. Straighten your legs and lift your hips up.

7. Let your legs drive you upward and backward. Make sure you keep your head back between your arms while you start to reach for the floor.

8. Keep your body arched as your hands touch the floor or the mat, with your legs and lower body still following.

9. From the arched position, swing your legs and feet over and snap them down firmly toward the floor. Keep your upper body straight.

10. Let your knees and ankles flex as your feet touch the floor.

11.Stand up straight to finish.

Tips

* Locate a reputable gymnastics school and find an that has been recommended to you by other students. Allow them to teach you how to do this. You have to build up slowly prior to attempting this.

* Try doing a back handspring in slow motion first. Bend back into a bridge, and kick your legs over. If it's too difficult, start by putting your feet on a raised surface when you're in the bridge - it'll make it easier to kick over. Repeat until successful.

* Add power to your back handspring by getting a running head start and doing a round-off first.

* Keep your arms locked to prevent falling on your head.

* Attempt only with a person you trust to catch you if your hands don't keep your head from hitting the floor.

* When you're letting your legs drive you upward and backward, point your toes and extend your through your ankles. When you're going backwards, start to look for a landing spot on the mat.

* When you land on your hands, spread your fingers a little, keep your feet together and don't let your knees bend.



Warnings

Without the guidance of a professional instructor, attempting a back handspring can result in serious injury, possibly even breaking your neck. Don't do back handsprings by yourself until your trainer or coach says you're ready.

I have attached sources for your reference.

Regards and keep at it.

Answer 2

Quite simply, it is not possible to do a "back handspring" (otherwise known as a "back flip" or "flick flack") without arching your back. So - arch your back more as you power backwards on to your hands. BUT - you need proper support when practising to avoid landing on your head. Is "the guy" a gymnastic coach? If you haven't got the flexibility in your back naturally, it is difficult to cultivate it. A proper back handspring needs a proper gymnastic teacher because the technique is fairly detailed and complex. An alternative is a back somersault (feet to feet with nothing else touching the floor) as it does not need back flexibility but a lot of leg power to get height and then a tight tuck to get rotation. Again, it needs a proper teacher because of potential dangers and the technique has to be learned.

Answer 3

Listen to your coach, he will keep you from getting hurt. Also do a lot of back-bend stand-ups, this should help loosen your back. Also check out this web site. It offers step by step instructions and gives you video clips of the skill. Good Luck and be safe!

www.drillsandskills.com