How to Do a Level 5 Compulsory Front Handspring in Gymnastics

To be successful when training to do a front handspring, you must overcome the fear that you might over-rotate it upon landing. Convince yourself to run full-speed and push off as hard as you can to learn the mechanics of the skill. Landing it will come with time and practice.

Instructions

1. Hop from feet to hands. Have someone support your legs in a pre-flight position, then hop forward to strengthen the arms and shoulders while you master the proper position.

2. Approach the front handspring and hop onto a slightly elevated surface, such as an additional gym mat. In addition to strengthening the muscles, it also prepares you for pushing off a springboard.

3. Perform the front handspring from the spring board and complete the skill by landing flat on a pile of mats stacked to the same height as the spring board.

4. Perfect the technique by keeping the shoulders over the hands with the back arched. Also keep your and legs straight and your toes pointed.

5. Add speed to the front handspring by running on your approach to the springboard. Once you've mastered the speed and strength, you're ready to progress to the vault.

6. Work on sticking the landing while you continue to focus on perfecting your positioning.