Back Handsprings: The Fundamentals
A back handspring is a big milestone. It requires upper body strength, precise handstand position, body position, and propulsive motion from the back leg. To successfully perform it, the back of the body must lead the front. The back handspring is a staple of the floor exercise in gymnastics.
The Challenge of Aerials
An aerial is a move where the gymnast swings around the bar, lets go, flips in the air, and catches again. The difficulty depends on factors like type of aerial and terrain.
Variations and Related Skills
- A backflip without hands is called a whip back.
- A cartwheel’s motion looks like a wheel rotating with the hands and feet as spokes.
- An aerial cartwheel has no hands touching the floor; it’s also called a side flip or aerial.
Learning Timeline and Techniques
It takes anywhere from six months to never to learn these skills. Determination and practice are key. Comfort being upside down and developing aerial awareness take time. To prepare for a back handspring, it’s crucial to build upper body strength, particularly in the arms and shoulders, and to be able to perform a backbend, handstand, and back walkover.
Training and Safety
With a spot, start trying a back handspring after strengthening the necessary muscles and learning drills. Do not attempt without a trained coach. Trampolines help practice form before moving to the floor. Mastering back handsprings takes skill, practice, and adherence to safety measures, from correct positioning to advanced techniques.