How to Teach a Child a Standing Backbend

Learning new tumbling tricks creates a sense of satisfaction in any child. Tumbling skills not only improve a child's balance, flexibility and strength, they also prepare your child for his physical education at school. Once a child has proven his back flexibility by mastering a backbend from the floor, he is ready to learn a standing backbend. Teaching a standing backbend is easy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tumbling mats

1. Tell your child to stand up straight facing backwards. Her arms should be straight up in the air.
2. Step her feet out so that her legs are shoulder-width apart. Her toes should be facing straight out, and her bottom should be in alignment with her back.
3. Ensure that your child's knees are bent ever so slightly.
4. Instruct him to arch his lower back. As his back arches, his head and hands will reach towards the floor. Place your hand on his lower back to spot him as he lowers to the ground.
5. Make sure that your child is looking at the floor. She will likely land on her head if she cannot see the floor with her eyes.
6. Lower her upper body until her hands touch the ground. Her feet should be flat on the floor, and her arms should be on either side of her ears.
7. Tell her to hold the backbend position for three seconds before coming out of the stance.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child becomes frustrated, stop and try again later.
• Children should tumble on mats to reduce the likelihood of injury.
• Children should always be supervised when attempting a new tumbling pass.