ELI5: How do you do a back handspring

Context: sports 118 views Jan 30, 2026 2 min read

Imagine you're a bouncy ball! A back handspring is like bouncing backwards really fast and landing on your hands and feet. It's a cool move in sports like gymnastics and cheerleading.

Here's how you (try to) do it:

  1. Start Tall: Stand up straight with your arms reaching high above your head. You're a tall, proud bouncy ball!
  1. Squat and Swing: Bend your knees like you're about to sit in a tiny chair. As you squat, swing your arms down and backwards. Think of winding up a toy! This gives you power.
  1. Jump Backwards: Now, JUMP! As you jump, throw your arms up and over your head. You're going backwards!
  1. Handstand Moment: As you're going backwards, quickly put your hands down on the ground, fingers pointing towards your feet. You're in a super quick handstand!
  1. Push and Kick: Push hard with your hands and kick your legs over your head. You're flipping!
  1. Land on Your Feet: Try to land on your feet, keeping your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact. You're a bouncy ball landing softly!
It's important to learn this with a coach! They can help you spot (keep you safe) and teach you the right technique. Don't try it alone at first. It needs lots of practice and strong muscles.
  • Practice makes perfect!
  • Listen to your coach!
  • Be patient!
That's a back handspring!

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