Expert: Kelly Fitzpatrick - 8/20/2006

Question
I just became a cheerleader and this is my first sport. So,i have to learn a Back-handspring, of course. My question is can you tell me the scince of a Back-handspring, like what is exactly what is suppose to happen. I know the technique and have watched many but i am a very analytical person and analyze most things before i do it. So before i try iw ould like to know how exactly am i going to go over. Like do i need to fall back first or just jump up. IDK.
I know it is long but if you reply it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Jade!

I think your message somehow got lost in my inbox! Becase I just recieved it! Anyway, in response to your question, a back handspring is more of a skill you get from just trying it over and over instead of trying to analyze it. My advice is to get a spot on this skill until your body has been trained to know what it's doing without you even having to think about the skill. Once you have the skill by yourself, your body will already know what to do and your mind wont have to do any work. As far as if you need to jump up of fall back first, you need to jump first. However, you don't want to jump straight up, you want to jump up and back with your arms by your ears. The best way to learn a back handspring without getting hurt is to take classes at a local gymnastics center. If you let me know what area you are from, i can give you a list of possible gyms that you can attend in your area!

I hope this helps,
Kelly