Q&A for How to Do a Back Handspring

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  • Question
    How can I land my aerial without being too low to the ground?
    Community Answer
    First, make sure that your run up isn't too long because you can lose some power that way. Also, swing your legs around very quickly. This way, you will have some power left to bring you back up.
  • Question
    How do you know that you are strong enough to do a back handspring?
    Community Answer
    You really can't tell until you try it - the stronger your arms are, the straighter your arms will be once you hit the floor. If your arms are really bent and droopy when you hit the floor, that means you may have to work on your arm strength. In general, the ability to do comfortable push-ups, pull-ups, and basic gymnastics moves is essential.
  • Question
    How do I get over the fear of going backwards into the handspring?
    Community Answer
    Learn how to go from standing into a bridge (or back bend - whatever you call it) try doing this as quickly as you can. This should to overcome your fear. Also, doing it with someone you trust or your best friend spotting should help.
  • Question
    How do I put your hands on the ground if I am having trouble with hand landing?
    Community Answer
    Try to practice a back limber, or at least a bridge/back bend kickover. Put your legs together in the middle of kicking over. tTy doing that faster until you get the hang of it.
  • Question
    I can do it on the trampoline but not the floor. Any tips?
    Community Answer
    Try it on a spring floor and use a spotter, if necessary. A spring floor is one step down from a trampoline and one step up from a floor in springiness.
  • Question
    How do I get over the fear of getting injured?
    Community Answer
    Use a stack of cushions to land on. As you gain confidence, remove the cushions one by one and you will have overcome the fear and learned the technique.
  • Question
    Do I need a back limber to achieve a back handspring?
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily but you could practice/learn it just on case it could help you.
  • Question
    I can almost do it, but I can't jump back. Any tips?
    Community Answer
    Try it on a trampoline with someone spotting you. When someone is spotting you, you can easily jump backwards while getting physical support from the spotter. Once you have done it a few times with someone spotting you, you will be able to get the feel of what it is supposed to feel like when you are jumping back. Also, it is a good idea to stretch so that your muscles will be warmed up and it will be easier to jump back without pain or hurting yourself.
  • Question
    What gymnastic experience do you need to know to do this?
    Community Answer
    In order to do a back handspring, it is a good idea to know how to do a handstand and hold it for at least three seconds.
  • Question
    What other exercises would help to strengthen my arms?
    Community Answer
    Try doing the basics like push ups nut then also do a handstand on the wall and do push ups off there.
  • Question
    How do I get my hips over faster?
    Community Answer
    By pushing your shoulders back when you jump backwards.
  • Question
    My elbows really hurt after doing a flick. Am I doing something wrong?
    Community Answer
    Make sure your arms are completely straight and not twisted, so that you can pop up properly.
  • Question
    How do I push down without thinking that I am going to fall?
    Community Answer
    Check that your head is locked with your arms so that when you go backward you let your head look to the floor. That way you can be in control. Always have a spotter.
  • Question
    How do I get my legs to go over at the same time?
    Community Answer
    Focus on squeezing your ankles and knees together. Also, squeeze your butt; this will help keep your hips even.
  • Question
    I always want to put my hands where my feet were. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Pop off your hands. You can practice this by doing pop handstands. Popping your hands will push your body up, and being up will make you want to snap your feet down.
  • Question
    How far do I need to jump?
    Community Answer
    You should jump as far back as your normal bridge on the floor.
  • Question
    What do I do if I keep twisting with a spot?
    Community Answer
    Keep having a spotter and keep gaining confidence until you get the hang of it.
  • Question
    How do I do a back walkover?
    Community Answer
    Learn to do a backbend and a handstand first. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, with your dominant foot a bit in front. Keeping your arms and head aligned, swing your arms back as if you were doing a standing backbend and lift your front foot off the ground, followed by the other foot. Use your hands to push off the ground.
  • Question
    How should I not be scared to jump back? I can do it on a mat by myself but not the grass. I want to.
    Community Answer
    Have a spotter at your first time at doing it and keep doing it with the spotter and you will get over your fear and do it on your own.
  • Question
    Do I jump up or back when doing this skill?
    Community Answer
    To do a back handspring, jump back.
  • Question
    What are the risks of doing it?
    Community Answer
    There is always a risk of getting hurt when doing gymnastics. You could hurt your arms, legs, or back. With proper form and a spotter, however, you should be fine.
  • Question
    How do I not bend my arms that much when I'm about to put my arms down?
    Community Answer
    Practice handstands, back bends, and back walkovers to get used to the position your arms should be in.
  • Question
    What if you're scared?
    Community Answer
    Don't push yourself to do something you're scared of. Keep practicing on a trampoline or spring floor, and use a spotter until you feel confident enough to try it on your own.
  • Question
    When I jump backwards, I land on my hands and my arms colapse. Am I not strong enough? Or am I doing something wrong? Thanks! Love your how to :) :)
    Community Answer
    You may need to gain some strength in your arms and shoulders. Practice your handstands, and do push-ups and curls.
  • Question
    What do I do if I land on my knees?
    Community Answer
    Work on swinging your legs harder. You may not have enough momentum if you aren't making it fully around.
  • Question
    Do I need to be able to do a back walkover?
    Community Answer
    It helps, since the skills you really need are a back kickover as they help you going backwards.
  • Question
    What if I can't get lessons or a coach?
    Community Answer
    You can be a self-taught gymnast. Watch YouTube videos and tutorials about gymnastics. Have a friend spot you if you can, and do tumbling on long strips of grass. Work on strength and flexibility. Keep going and don't give up. Just because you don't take lessons doesn't mean that you can't be just as good as other gymnasts.
  • Question
    How do I do an aerial with having to put my hands on the ground?
    Community Answer
    Hold objects in your hands or keep them in a different position, such as by your body or out to the side. Make sure you bring your chest up, as it helps with momentum and helps reduce the risk of an injury. You might have a mental block if you are scared of landing on your head or injuring your landing ankle.
  • Question
    Any time I try one on my trampoline, I get scared that I will break my wrists or neck. I really need to know how to do this for cheerleading, what should I do?
    SmartTweenGirl
    Community Answer
    Stretch! Do wrist and ankle stretches. This will lower your chance of getting hurt by a bunch. Have someone spot you if your scared. They need to have their hands on your back, and they will help you swing your legs.
  • Question
    When I do my back handspring, I keep my legs apart when I'm in the air, is that still a back handspring? People tell me I have to keep my legs together.
    Community Answer
    The "people" are correct. You're doing a back handspring, but it's poorly executed/in bad form. You should work on keeping your legs together.
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