back handspring progressions

[Michael Ritter]

I'm working with a coach that has a few athletes capable of back handsprings and a few that are not. I will have to coach them all tomorrow. Any input on back handspring progressions from beginner at the beginner level?

Sorry if this has been covered

[Cole Dano]

It doesn't sound like your coach has prepared you for this.

 

The safest course is always to coach what you know. And start pestering your coach to show you how to teach  BHS under his/her guidance. So next time you are ready. It's not something to work out on your own.

[Michael Ritter]

Agreed. Thank you

[Blairbob]

 Here are some safe drills.

Jump backs on a porta pit or stacked 8"ers. The goal is to land in a stretched position as far out as possible. 

BHS over an octagon barrel/boulder. If the barrel is too short, place it on a panel mat to make it taller. You have to make sure they don't fall on their head even when they go slow before you let them do it themselves.

Another drill I like I call a "bridge pullover." A gymnast lays on a block or porta-pit and reaches to the floor. Then they bring their legs over their head to the floor. This is super basic and I guess I could ask them to land in a straight plank position but generally I just want them to learn how to support themselves and bring their legs over their head without freaking out. Think super noob drill for munchkins or noob gymnasts of any age.

Kick to handstand against wall or wedge and snapdown to prone/plank position.

 and If you don't know how, spot with one hand on the lower back and the other on the hand on the back of the leg on the hamstring half way between the glute and back of the knee. You can also spot both hips if you really need with one hand reaching around the lower back and holding the far hip.

But don't try this spot with a kid who doesn't know a BHS. Learn how to spot with a kid who has a solid BHS and is ok with you.

And don't spot them if you don't feel comfortable. I had a terrible spotter once drop me on my head and I swore off learning a BHS from those two nitwits after I crawled to the side of the mat cursing their names. Don't endanger a kid even if a senior coach says to anyways (duh).

Other basic progressions before BHS are generally bridge kickovers and back limbers. These develop the necessary flexibility in the shoulders and support.

And obviously, handstand. 



Also, as a side note, learn to spot from both side so you don't develop wear and tear. I used to get a sore elbow or hip from spotting mainly on one side because of the gym setup.

Also, be prepared to get kicked or slapped in the face and still be able to spot them. Watch out for your arm getting tangled up in tshirts.