flexibility exercises for cheerleading tumbling?

Question

what exercises do i have to improve my flexibility so i can be able to do at least a back walkover and back handspring? i know to do this i should be able to do a backbend at least.. i can do this if i start from lying on the floor and going up to a backbend but my hands and feet wooble a lot and my head spins.. lol.. what certain exercises are needed to be able to perform a backbend, handsprings, and walkovers?? and what exercise routine would you suggest that would improve my overall flexibility?

getting a trainer or instructor or something is not an option for me because my parents would never pay for gymnastics lessons.. lol.. its just a personal goal of mine to try and learn how to do these things.. thanks a lot to those who would help.. ^_^

Answer 1

you have to be able to do a standing backbend before you can ever do a back walkover, or even a flip flop(or as you said back hand spring) a good way to learn to do a standing back bend, is stand next to a wall and put you hand on it-as if you would be if you were lying on the ground about to do a push up back bend- and walk your way up and down the wall. also having your splits helps alot when it comes to doing walkovers, that way you have the strenght in you legs and flexibility to have the go at seperate times during the walkover. I was a cheerleader for 15 yrs (im 17 now) so if you have any questions feel free to e-mail me, [e-mail]