What is handspring?
A handspring is an acrobatic movement in which a person executes a complete revolution of the body by lunging headfirst from an upright position into an inverted vertical position and then pushing off (i.e., "springing") from the floor with the hands so as to leap back to an upright position. The direction of body rotation in a handspring may be either forward (front handspring) or backward (back handspring).What should we do before starting a handspring?
Before you attempt a handspring, take the time to ensure you are being safe. Make sure your surroundings are prepared, so you have the safest experience possible.Place safety mats or inflatable air tracks: As you attempt a handspring, be sure your surface is cushioned in case you have a bad landing.
Wear appropriate clothing: Before you try a front handspring in an everyday outfit, wear typical gymnastics attire to prevent any slip-ups the first few times.
Stretch to improve your flexibility: Warming up your arm, legs, ankles and back beforehand will minimize the risk of injury. If your body is not limber during a handspring, there's a chance you won't adjust properly to the flip.
How to hone the skills of handspring?
Tips of a front handspring:
- 1.Run and Hop: Before you take off, be sure there is enough room around you to perform at your highest potential. Raise your arms into the air as your hurdle and hop from your dominant foot to land on your dominant foot, and then quickly step forward with your non-dominant foot.
- 2.Secure your hands: As you step forward, plant your hands on the ground and kick your legs up into the air. It should almost look like you’re doing a handstand. Keep your body vertical and straight up in the air.
- 3.Push Forward: To finish the move, propel your legs forward, keeping your arms tight to your ears. Making your legs as straight as possible, you should land on the balls of your feet, completing the front handspring.
Training on a back handspring:
- 1.Excising needle kicks will help to train the force in your legs, which is needed to execute the initial flip backwards.
- 2.Practice handstands. Aim your arms downward and lay your hands flat on the ground. Holding your hands in place, launch yourself forward and lift your legs off the ground.
- 3.Train your handspring using a vault board, which can help you to focus on improving your control, rather than putting the effort into the force of jumping itself.
- 4.Squat against a wall. Rest your back against wall, and lower your body down. This will cause a bend in your legs. Get your squat down to the point where your legs are arched at a 90 degree angle. Hold your squat for 30 seconds, then give yourself 30 seconds to rest before you attempt another rep.
