Written by: Coach Sari
Are you ready to start your Back Handspring? Here are some things you should know:
Prerequisite: Back bend or bridge.
Remember: If you do not have a back bend or bridge yet, then you are not ready for a Back-Hand-Spring.
1. First you start with you hands by your sides, standing straight up.
2. Sit back like you're about to sit in a chair.
3. Then at the part where you're about to fall because there really is no chair there, jump back.
4. While jumping back, swing your arms up over your head. Your arms should now be squeezing your head tightly and your elbows locked out. If you bend your elbows you WILL hit your head on the ground.
5. After jumping back onto your hands, you should be in a handstand position. Now, snap your feet down hard for the landing.
Here are some tips to remember:
· Squeeze your abs the entire time.
· DO NOT try this by yourself. Only learn with a qualified coach.
· You should first try it with a spotter on a trampoline or cheese mat.
· Once you have it on a cheese mat by yourself, you can work your way down the mat onto the floor. The further down the mat, the harder it gets and it allows your muscles to get used to doing it. It is like lifting weights, you begin with light weights and work your way up as you get stronger.
