Expert: Kelly Fitzpatrick - 10/25/2006

Question
I'm new to this whole back hand-spring thing. I have it just right and I get over really well but a lot of the times I hit my head. I tell myself to keep my arms straight but it just won't do it. I am scared to do it on real ground just for that reason. I have been practicing on a bed. Is there any advice you could give me for my arms and any advice you could give me to not be scared to do my back hand-spring on the real ground? or at least on cheerleading mats? I keep thinking I am like going to snap my neck or something. Please help. I really want to get my back hand-spring without hitting my head.

Thank you so much!
Love,
Sierra

Answer
Hi Sierra!

I'm not sure how safe it is to do a back handspring on a bed, but if I were you I would enroll at a local gymnastics facility in some cheerleading classes. This will help you learn your back handspring the safe way.

The reason that you are landing on your head could be one of two things.
1) You aren't getting your legs over fast enough. You shouldn't let your legs simply fall over, you must pull them over yourself using your stomach and leg muscles. If you've ever done a handstand snap down, it will be like that.
2) Your arms are too far apart or in the improper position. Your arms should be shoulder width apart and your hands should be facing the same direction that they would be in a handstand.

Good luck and I hope this helps!
Kelly