Q&A for How to Do a Back Handspring at Home

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  • Question
    How do I get over the fear of doing a back handspring?
    Community Answer
    Go into a bridge, then when you're almost near the ground, jump or hop so that you feel as if you're doing it or do a back limber, then add a little jump and you'll get used to it.
  • Question
    What if I'm not a good gymnast?
    Damaris Horsford
    Community Answer
    You should start with skills, like cartwheels and handstands. Then to get into the feeling of the back handspring, practice doing back bends, back walkovers, and back limbers. Keep practicing until you feel you are ready! You should not do a back handspring if you do not even have basic skills or skills to teach you back handspring!
  • Question
    Will it hurt my hands when I put them down?
    Community Answer
    It shouldn't unless you landed in the wrong way. So, stretch your wrists well, otherwise you can get a really bad cramp or sprain your wrist.
  • Question
    Will it hurt my wrists?
    Community Answer
    You should stretch your wrists before attempting a back handspring. If you do, your wrists shouldn't hurt.
  • Question
    I try to do a back handspring on a trampoline, and I under cut it. When I go to do it on the ground, I am too scared to go back. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Start with a backbend, and when you're close to the ground, jump back and it will throw you over. Then try jumping back, and put your hands under your head and you should have it.
  • Question
    What if I can't do a back limber?
    Community Answer
    If you cannot do a back limber, try learning a back bend kick over. A back limber takes a lot of core strength and shoulder strength. Try getting someone to spot you. Since a back limber isn't a complicated skill, a parent could spot you by supporting your back and helping you get your legs over.
  • Question
    What do I do if I'm scared to jump back?
    Community Answer
    if you are scared to jump backwards, follow the recommended steps in this article on a trampoline. With a few jumps within the flip you should feel more comfortable knowing that it's a safer, more easier way.
  • Question
    What do I do if I'm really scared to fall because I don't have a spotter or a mat?
    Community Answer
    Get lots of cushions, especially where your hands will land, but don't put too many down or your arms will slip. Try doing the motion and just jumping back onto the cushions to get used to it.
  • Question
    What happens if I do it on a concrete balcony flooring? Will I get hurt if it's my first time?
    Community Answer
    If it's is your first time, then doing a back handspring on concrete is a lot more dangerous and it is much more likely you will get hurt if you mess up. Also, it is a very silly and dangerous idea to do a back handspring on a balcony, as you might end up over the balcony and fall many floors down.
  • Question
    How can I get over the fear of doing a back handspring?
    Community Answer
    Start by putting a bunch on pillows or cushions on the ground. Then do the drills for a back handspring--a back bend or a back walkover. Get someone your spot your lower back and thighs while going into your back handspring. Once you feel comfortable, try it without the cushions, but keep the spotter.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to be able to do a back limber?
    Community Answer
    It is better to know how to do a back limber before attempting a back handspring because it will help you be more comfortable with the motion and going backwards.
  • Question
    How does swinging my arms help?
    Community Answer
    It gives you some needed momentum and helps you go over. You need to swing your arms back before you throw your head back.
  • Question
    How do I avoid getting stuck in a handstand in the middle of my back handspring?
    Emily Grace
    Community Answer
    Use the momentum to help you push over. Make sure your legs are swinging back over your body, too, so you can land.
  • Question
    Are back handsprings hard?
    Community Answer
    Yes, back handsprings are hard -- that's why you need to know how to do a back limber and back walkover and back kickover. Get a coach or experienced person to help you.
  • Question
    What should I do if I don't have a spotter?
    Community Answer
    Try doing it in front of your bed, swinging your arms up and jumping, then landing on your back on the bed.
  • Question
    What happens if I jump backwards and don't touch the ground with my hands?
    Community Answer
    You will fall on your head. Try to keep your arms by your ears and keep them locked straight. Don't bend them!
  • Question
    How do I do it without a spotter?
    Community Answer
    You can try doing it over a pile of cushions so you won't fall to the ground and hurt yourself, or if you have a cylindrical mat, do it over that.
  • Question
    I keep going sideways when I try a back handspring on a trampoline. How can I fix this?
    Community Answer
    I have had this problem as well. To fix it I started bending my head back a bit more and watching where my hands were going. I was able to adjust where my hands landed so I could go over straight instead of sideways.
  • Question
    Can you still do it without a spotter?
    Community Answer
    You can do it without a spotter, but if you are a beginner, doing this without a spotter can be very dangerous.
  • Question
    How do I stay in the air during the backbend?
    Community Answer
    When you jump, you will naturally be in the air, so there should be no need to keep yourself in the air. You are only in the air for a split second.
  • Question
    I'm scared to do a back flip. Will it hurt to do it? How can I do it without being scared?
    Damaris Horsford
    Community Answer
    You can use a spot! If you don't have that you can use a bed or mat. You should do some drills before doing the actual thing. To get used to jumping, try jumping backwards on to a bed or couch. This will help you get over your fear and help you get used to it. For the ending try jump to handstand and handstand snap down. It should not hurt! The best thing you can do is to have confidence. Stop thinking about what happens if you get hurt. That might get you hurt or it will stop you from gaining the skill.
  • Question
    Is it all right to do this without a spotter?
    Community Answer
    It could be very dangerous if you have never tried the back handspring. Grab a spotter on an open gym or ask your coach or somebody else who knows what they're doing.
  • Question
    Is there anything I could do to keep my legs together?
    Community Answer
    Spread your legs a bit, then practice jumping into a back handspring without going into one.
  • Question
    Is it true that all I have to do is believe in myself?
    Community Answer
    Sadly, no. It is not that easy. Your arms have to be strong so that they can hold your weight when you jump back and pop you back up. You must strengthen your arms by lifting weights, push ups and doing other arm and core strengthening exercises.. Once your arms are strong enough, then you can do try a back handspring.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to learn a handstand or a back limber to do a back handspring?
    Community Answer
    The handstand, handstand snap down, and the back limber are very necessary to get the feel of what you're going to be doing in the back handspring.
  • Question
    Can I break my finger doing a back handspring if I land on my hand wrong?
    Community Answer
    It is possible, yes, make sure you keep your hands flat throughout the process.
  • Question
    Can a parent spot me during a back handspring? I'm worried that my dad would not be able to hold my weight when I go backward.
    Community Answer
    Spotting isn't as much carrying the weight as propelling you backwards. I have my sister spot me for things like that all the time. Try it on a softer surface like a mattress or a mat to start.
  • Question
    I can do a back handspring physically, but I have a mental block which makes it hard to throw it without a spotter. What should I do to get over this fear?
    CCC Rose
    Community Answer
    Again, trampolines and mattresses are good substitutes. You can also do it over pillows!
  • Question
    Do I need to know how to do a bridge first to do a back handspring?
    Community Answer
    You should know how to do a bridge because you pass through bridge when you are doing your BHS.
  • Question
    When I get into the first handstand position, I get scared and fall. Is there something I can do?
    CCC Rose
    Community Answer
    Try doing some handstand snap downs. This is similar to the motion of a back handspring and should help you overcome your fear. Try arching your back first to get used to the motion as well.
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