In this lesson, you will learn how to perform a gymnastics frontwhip with closed legs. A frontwhip is essentially a front handspring without using the hands, executed with legs together. Before attempting this skill, you should be able to do a gymnastics frontwhip stepout, which is significantly easier. Make sure your frontwhip stepout is strong and consistent before progressing to the version with closed legs.
For more lessons, visit the Artistic Gymnastics main section.
Execution
- Run straight forward with momentum and raise your arms up and forward as you run.
- Step with your left leg, while swinging your arms forward into a horizontal position (arms aligned with shoulders, elbows close to your ears).
- Your right leg lifts first, followed closely by the left leg, which catches up in mid-air. The legs should be together when your body is vertical.
- Look forward as long as possible—don’t lift your head too early. Avoid tucking your chin. Instead, arch your back (do not round it).
- As soon as your left foot leaves the floor, whip your arms down toward your thighs, or extend them sideways for balance.
- Land on both feet, keeping your gaze angled about 45° upward—don’t look at the floor.
- As you land, raise your arms overhead in coordination with your landing (see the Gymnastics Front Handspring lesson for comparison).
Advice
- Learn the gymnastic front handspring and the frontwhip stepout before trying the closed-leg frontwhip.
- You should also be comfortable with tucked front flips or back flips before attempting this skill.
- Training method: Use a Reuther springboard to jump onto mats.
- If practicing into water, do not use a springboard. Instead, run and jump from a 1-meter platform, not from standing still.
- Avoid sitting back or bending your knees excessively during takeoff.
- Once you’ve mastered the frontwhip, learning the aerial twist will become much easier.
Suggested Skills to Learn First
- Gymnastic Front Handspring
- Gymnastic Front Handspring Stepout
- Tucked Front Flip
- Gymnastic Frontwhip Stepout
