How to Spot a Back Handspring in Gymnastics

In this video instruction you will learn how to spot a gymnastic back handspring. I posted this in the wushu section because I taped this video with wushu students. But I actually had to show them how to spot the back handspring like this. At Chinese wushu schools the back handspring is usually spotted by 2 training partners. Click here for more gymnastics videos and here for more wushu videos.

Execution

This is a more professional spotting technique for the back handspring and this is how it's done in artistic gymnastics. Your student should be able to hold his handstand for a few seconds and of course it would be good if you had "some" gymnastics background yourself. (but not really required)
Stand on the left side of your student and put your right hand around his back and on his right hip. Your left hand goes behind his left knee.
The first couple of times you just let your student sit down and lean against your arm support. Make sure he looks straight forward and keeps his arms parallel to the floor. When he sits down, his calves should remain vertical and his knees should not be bent more than 90 degrees. Once you are sure he can do this, move on.
Now your student aligns his arms with his head and extends his knees. Make sure he doesn't bend his head down or swings his arms towards his hips. It's also very important that he lean forward.
When he extends his knees, you basically catch him at hip height. At this point, your student's knees and his arms should be fully extended. (see video)
Now you student has to flex his wrists and land in a gymnastic handstand. It probably looks like your student could slip out of your arms, but with this support position you actually have a pretty good grip. However, keep in mind that you can't help after the handstand position. That's why it's extremely important that your student can hold his handstand for a few seconds. And just in case,... use mats or foam pieces like shown in the video.

Advice

It takes some time to get used to this back handspring spotting technique, but it's definitely the best method I know.
Since you have to hold your students entire weight in your arms for short moment, you should not try this with heavy students. Also avoid this back handspring training method if you have back problems. BTW, keep YOUR upper body straight too. (which makes it easier for your)
For more information on how to do a gymnastic back handspring, check out the animated gymnastic back handspring instruction.

Performance

In this Video: Yang Jia Le - Lv Peng Cheng - SJ Wushu School
Team: School Team 1 - Song Jiang Wushu School
Coach: Wang Guang Ming
Taped by: Mavi

Suggestions

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