Blog Archives

Prebackhandspring jump to mats

Posted on January 11, 2011 by American Gymnast
Pre Back Handspring Jump to MatsPre Back Handspring Jump to Mats
This entry is part 1 of 6 in the series: Introductory Back Handspring

At the same time that gymnasts are learning limbers, cartwheels, round-offs and other basic skills, they can also begin learning to jump backwards onto a resi-mat.

The arms can stay-up or swing-up with a shoulders-width to the ears side. The knees should be bent slightly to begin the jump. Make sure the gymnast does not squat too deep. The jump must show good flight with a long travel back.

Posted in Back Tumbling | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Backhandspring Setup Drill

Posted on January 11, 2011 by American Gymnast
Back Handspring Setup DrillBack Handspring Setup Drill
This entry is part 2 of 6 in the series: Introductory Back Handspring

Coaches may spot the gymnasts upper back and shoulder area so they can practice the dynamic coordination betweeen the arms swing and the lean back motion with a quick opening into a tight arch position. Beginning with a hollow chest facilitates a stronger chest opening to the tight arch.

Posted in Back Tumbling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Beginner backhandspring drills

Posted on January 11, 2011 by American Gymnast
Beginner Back Handspring DrillsBeginner Back Handspring Drills
This entry is part 3 of 6 in the series: Introductory Back Handspring

Gymnasts starting to learn back handsprings can benefit from feeling the lean back action in a simpler way. Also getting familiar with hollow chest to open chest and shoulders and the legs push to open hips on a single tight arch body unit. This drill helps the athletes to train the lean back action several times in a row with a coach’s assistance.

Posted in Back Tumbling | Tagged , , , | 121 Comments

Barrell rock drill

Posted on January 11, 2011 by American Gymnast
barrell rock drillbarrell rock drill
This entry is part 4 of 6 in the series: Introductory Back Handspring

Rocking back and forth lying down on a barrel may help gymnasts to experience the single arch-body unit with open hips and shoulders required for the back handspring flying phase.

Posted in Back Tumbling | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Barrell handsprings

Posted on January 11, 2011 by American Gymnast
Barrell HandspringsBarrell Handsprings
This entry is part 5 of 6 in the series: Introductory Back Handspring

Gymnasts showing improvement on simpler drills and spotted back handsprings may be introduced to barrel back handsprings. Coaches must make sure that the gymnast does not start so close to the barrel as it forces them to undercut their jumps.

Posted in Back Tumbling | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

Backhandspring drill for distance

Posted on January 11, 2011 by American Gymnast
Back Handspring Drill for DistanceBack Handspring Drill for Distance
This entry is part 6 of 6 in the series: Introductory Back Handspring

Gymnasts may use a panel mat to train for distance during the first flying phase. With their toes at the beginning of a panel they perfom back handsprings trying to reach far into a different panel. Since the gymnasts know the exact place they are begining each turn they can check how much they are flying back from feet to hands.

Posted in Back Tumbling | Tagged , , , , | 32 Comments