How To Do A Back Handspring

Back handsprings are usually attempted by cheerleaders and gymnasts. It is a technique which needs to be perfected to perform. One must be good at the tumbling concept because it involves most of that. Is it easy to learn a back handspring? Yes, it is! But on the other hand, when attempted by beginners is not the easiest task to learn. With this article, you can learn the steps and tips that can convert a back flip into a back handspring. What you definitely need is a coach who will guide you through the exercises and method of performing it — rest depends upon immense practice. Several sportspersons have had injuries while attempting the back handspring due to improper guidance. Before starting to perfect a handspring, you must be sure that your body balance is good and you have toned arm muscles. Now, if you’ve got everything it takes, then it’s time to read further and learn the steps to carry out this stunt!

Back Handspring Tips

Stand in the gym with a long space in front of you. Place some mats to break your fall correctly. To do a good round of back handspring, make sure your run up is fast. The faster you run the better the backhand spring.
You will now be in a position where your feet are together, knees are together and your arms at the sides of the ears. This has to be stance before you jump to get a good back spring.
Put your chin downward and swing your arms forward and then stretch your arms above and beyond your head. This will look like an elephant! Slowly start leaning backwards too.
Again, swing your arms above your head as you extend your body off the floor this time, with a strong outward hip movement (hip thrusts). This involves using your abdomen and armpit muscles from your legs.
Now your legs will be left hanging, but this helps you drive upward and backward. What you must do with your legs are: point the toes and extend the ankles.
Be careful that at this position your head is between your arms while you start to reach for the floor again and keep your eyes open for a spot to land on.
Your body must be arched while touching base! Your legs and lower body must follow your upper body. Keep your hands straight or slightly turned in. Some important tips at this point are to keep your feet together and legs unbent at the knees.
From this position onwards, you need to make snappy movements. Swing your legs and feet and place them down firmly on the mat, still keeping your upper body straight. Don’t resist because your knees get unlocked at this point.
Your landing determines how well you’ve made the jump. A ‘perfect’ landing will include your legs slightly bent and swinging your arms straight in front of you.
If you want to do one more backhand spring consecutively after this, then land flat on your feet and not on the balls of your foot. Keeping your upper body in alignment with your arms and feet, push again (you need arm push for this!).
Going from a backhand spring into a back flip, involves just bouncing off the balls of your feet and not letting your heels touch the ground.
Voila! You’ve successfully completed one backhand spring.

Good back handsprings are made from more and more practice till you reach perfection and expert guidance in this case is indispensable!

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