Back Handspring Skill Clinic

The Back Handspring also known as the “Flip Flop,” “Flick Flack,” or if you watched this clinic, the Back JUMPSPRING. Every gymnast that enters level 3 has at least some difficulty with this skill. After years of experience with 100s of pre-team and level 3 students, I can confidently tell you that almost all of the problems with learning the back handspring are rooted in the take off. Jumping is scary, it increases the perceived risk of the skill to the gymnast. Even after many jumping drills, many young gymnasts still attempt a fast back bend when attempting the skill on their own. It is really “creepy” or “awkward” to perform this skill with the correct jump at first. Once a gymnast tries to jump to arch handstand instead of back bend, they quickly find the skill quite easy and comfortable. Most of the fear disappears after a few good turns.

Here are the Clinic Notes and Prerequisites

Flexibility Requirements
Bridge
Open Shoulders (Shoulder Mobility)

Skill Requirements
Powerful Jump Up & Backwards
Arch Handstand

Technique Breakdown
Start in a standing position with the arms in front. *Optional* you can perform an arm swing behind you or leave the arms in front. Bend the legs about 45 degrees (half squat), avoid going too low since this will make it harder to jump with power and increase the chances of back bending instead of jumping. Once in the half squat position, extend the legs into a powerful jump and swing your arms past your head as your feet are about to leave the floor. Look at your hands and push tall through your arch handstand. Kick the legs past you into a hollow position and swing off of your hands landing upright in a hollow position. SUCCESS!!

Hope you enjoyed the drills and ideas presented in this clinic. If you are having trouble or your daughter is having trouble, make sure to focus on jumping properly. Jumping over to a handstand will solve almost all of the problems, as presented by a non gymnast, in this clinic. See you in the next clinic!!