Handstand Tutorial
The handstand is the most important move for any gymnast or tricker to learn, if you have a good handstand, so many more difficult moves will become much better as well.
This is because a lot of fundamental gymnastics moves go through the handstand position.
Handspring.
Handstand Position
Backhandspring/flick.
Handstand Position
Roundoff
Handstand Position
Let's start with the basic techniques involved in a good held handstand. Take a detailed look at this clip.
The start: One leg is placed in front of the other and arms stretch out forwards, ready to be put on the ground. Gymnasts in particular will want to start with their arms right up by their ears and really exaggerate the step forwards( lunge). However, if you are not into gymnastics, or if you are only just learning the move, it is not essential.
The Shape
head stuck out just enough to be able to see hands, but not stuck right out.
Toes pointed upwards.
Arms and legs straight.
Back straight
Body in straight line.
Good shape
Bad shape
That basically sums up the handstand shape, just concentrate on making sure you start correctly, your toes, back, legs and head are all in the right shape and doing the right thing.
You will have to noticed that in the clip we analyzed, I was on concrete. I find it much easier to balance on hard ground than on soft ground like grass or a sprung floor.
Don't do it on hard ground though until you are quite confident on softer ground, because it is obviously less safe.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it on grass, it is still possible, I just prefer to do it on harder ground.
If you are practicing on grass, if you go over forwards, the easiest thing to do is to forward roll out.
Do not try that on concrete! Use the 'step out' method.
Now that you know about the shape and techniques involved in a handstand, it is time for you to learn how to hold one.
I will now try to give you an idea of the principle behind it.
Stand up.
Now, lean slightly forwards and actually concentrate on how you are keeping your balance.
The likelihood is that you push your toes into the ground.
Now lean backwards slightly.
This time, to keep your balance, you push your heels down into the ground.
When you are in a handstand, the exact same principle applies. If you lean forwards, push your fingers into the ground, and if you lean backwards push your wrists down.
The only reason why holding a handstand is more difficult than standing up is because you don't walk around on your hands all day, your leg muscles are much more developed.
Therefore the only real trick is being able to do a good held handstand is knowing the correct shape, and having good lower arm strength.
Powerballs are very good for increasing wrist/lower arm strength, other than that, just keep on practicing. The more you practice, the easier it will become as your arm will get stronger.
Good luck.
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