Handstands 

The handstand is the foundation of gymnastics and one of the most important skills a young gymnast will develop over the course of their gymnastics career. The development of the skill starts their first day in the gym with the gymnast learning to shift their weight onto their hands and staying tight!

For gymnasts of all levels the handstand is a crucial part of their workout; most skills must pass through a vertical handstand phase to effectively and safely perform the skill. Achieving a beneficial handstand is difficult for new gymnasts as it involves many different muscle groups including the core muscles and the back muscles. Development of these muscle groups is important for the success of the handstand and subsequent skills.

Common mistakes that occurre in the handstand, for new and old gymnasts, are easy to miss in a gymnasts’ and coaches’ excitement to progress to more difficult skills. Athletes that are unable to hold their core tight or actively push through their shoulders in their handstand will be unable to apply those concepts to bigger skills like walkovers and handsprings. Drills and proper progressions will best prepare the gymnast and coach  for the development of the handstand and future skills, these mistakes are important to recognize and correct early on.

Progressions 

In the video below you will find basic drills to introduce the handstand to new athletes; please keep in mind that each athlete will learn at their own pace!