Category: handstands

handstand drill

This was intended to be a fun challenge. But it would also be a good progression for kids learning weight shift side-to-side for future skills.

Click PLAY or watch it on Facebook.

pike handstand to free handstand

Beginners should spend much time getting comfortable in handstand positions with feet braced on a wall or block.

Challenge = from piked handstand lift one leg … then the other to see if they can keep a good shape.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Thanks Bermuda Gymnastics Association.

training Stride Handstand

Beginners often learn Backward Walkover with bent knees and — later — have problems ☹️getting out of the habit of bending their knees.

Challenge them to tip forward and backward in Stride Handstand to show form and control. As they improve lower the height of the mats.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Thanks Bermuda Gymnastics Association.

introducing Press to Handstand

Beginners often train years before making their first straight arm Press to Handstand.

It’s essential they feel SAFE when leaning too far.

Challenge gymnasts to get their hips (Centre of Mass) over the hands before lifting toes off the floor.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Thanks Bermuda Gymnastics Association.

Acrobats in Kenya

Veronique Sprenger spent 10 weeks training with this troupe in a slum called Kangemi in Nairobi.

She’s doing a Masters in International Development Studies at the University of Amsterdam on these athletes.

Watch all the way through. It’s impressive what they’ve accomplished with very little equipment. Tumbling on hard wood floor, for example.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

reverse planche strength

Gymnasts do not need to be THIS strong at that range of motion, but many are not as strong as they should be for Artistic Gymnastics. Condition it specifically and progressively.

I include it with handstand training.

Click PLAY or watch it on Facebook.