HOW TO- Do a Back Handspring!

Pushing off

Start with your feet together, your knees together, and your arms by your ears. Put your chin down. Bring your arms as you sit back into a chair postion.

Pushing back

Swing your arms above your head as you extend off the floor with a strong push from your legs and feet.

Arching back

Let your legs drive you upward and backward. Point your toes and extend through your ankles. Make sure you keep your head back between your arms while you start to reach for the floor. Start to look for a landing spot on the mat.

Reaching the floor

Keep your body arched and hips open as your hands touch the floor or the mat, with your legs and lower body still following. Spread your fingers a little, keep your feet together, and don't let your knees bend!

Coming down

Swing your legs and feet over and snap them down firmly toward the floor. Keep your upper body straight. Try to keep a tight hollow body position.

Finishing position

Land with your legs slightly bent and arms in front.

Good practice tools are handspring trainer mats and incline mats.

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