How to Do a Level 5 Compulsory Front Handspring in Gymnastics

To be successful when training to do a front handspring, you must overcome the fear that you might over-rotate it upon landing. Convince yourself to run full-speed and push off as hard as you can to learn the mechanics of the skill. Landing it will come with time and practice.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hop from feet to hands. Have someone support your legs in a pre-flight position, then hop forward to strengthen the arms and shoulders while you master the proper position.

    • 2

      Approach the front handspring and hop onto a slightly elevated surface, such as an additional gym mat. In addition to strengthening the muscles, it also prepares you for pushing off a springboard.

    • 3

      Perform the front handspring from the spring board and complete the skill by landing flat on a pile of mats stacked to the same height as the spring board.

    • 4

      Perfect the technique by keeping the shoulders over the hands with the back arched. Also keep your and legs straight and your toes pointed.

    • 5

      Add speed to the front handspring by running on your approach to the springboard. Once you've mastered the speed and strength, you're ready to progress to the vault.

    • 6

      Work on sticking the landing while you continue to focus on perfecting your positioning.