Handstand
DRILL 1
HEADSTAND
Introduces the gymnast to how they should use their bodies to stay in balance upside-down.
FOCUS POINTS
A
The gymnast’s head and hands should form a triangle.
B
Keep the core and buttocks activated with a slight angle in the hips.
DRILL 2
FOREARM STAND
More challenging for the gymnast than the Headstand.
FOCUS POINTS
A
Interlock the fingers, forming a little cup for the back of the head.
B
Keep the core and buttocks engaged with a slight angle in the hips.
DRILL 3
WALL HANDSTAND
The drill focuses on stacking all the parts of the body on top of each other, forming a straight line through the body.
FOCUS POINTS
A
Hands should be approximately 5-10 cm. away from the wall.
B
Push the shoulders away from the floor and keep the head tucked in for good body alignment.
EQUIPMENT
-
1 x Mat against a wall
DRILL 4
SUPPORTED BACK HANDSTAND
This drill helps the gymnast more but also forces them to seek towards the straight body alignment. If this is done correctly the use of support is minimized. We also teach the swing to handstand in this drill.
FOCUS POINTS
A
The fingers shall point toward the wall and as close as possible to the mat. From here the gymnast slowly pull them off into a controlled handstand.
B
Push the shoulders away from the floor and keep the head tucked in for good body alignment.
PREREQUISITES
-
Hurdle - D1
EQUIPMENT
-
1 x Mat against a wall
-
1 x Side landing mat
DRILL 5
1-LEG SUPPORTED HANDSTAND
The drill focuses on moving the Handstand away from support, so the gymnast can hold the Handstand by themselves.
FOCUS POINTS
A
Correct body alignment except for the supporting leg.
B
Move the supporting leg slowly of the wall, to keep control over the drill.
EQUIPMENT
-
1 x Mat against a wall