Expert: Dean Dryer Date: 5/8/2008 Subject: Front Handsprings
Question When I do my fronthandspring, I twist a lot and I want to learn how to not twist. When I land, I land hard and that hurts my ankle and just would like some tips
Answer Ashley,
Usually, twisting in a front handspring is either caused by turning your head, by putting one hand in front of the other (instead of side by side) on the floor, or by not pushing with both hands evenly through the handstand (or even leaving one hand on the floor completely).
The best way to solve all these problems is to work on handstand hops.
Kick into a handstand very hard and fast(making sure that your head is straight and your hands are side by side), keep your body very tight and straight, and try to push the ground with your hands and hop, landing in a handstand again. This will work on all three of the possible causes and hopefully give you more power on the skill.
I think the ankle pain you are experiencing comes from the fact that you are twisting and landing with all your weight on one foot. This problem gets solved when you get the front handspring straight again.
