-
Step 1
Practice on a padded carpet or gymnastic mat. The surface must be firm enough to prevent the hands from sinking in but should absorb the shock of a fall. A gymnastic spring floor is the preferred surface.
-
Step 2
Stand facing the gymnast, approximately 3 feet away. As the child puts her hands down on the mat, tell her to kick up to a headstand and grab her legs, bringing them to a vertical position. At first, you may need to help her get her feet off the floor. As she develops strength and confidence, grab her feet only when they reach the vertical position.
-
Step 3
Teach a gymnast to perform a handstand with her fingers and wrists rotated inwards. This forces her arms into a position where the elbow will easily bend outwards if she falls, instead of locking and breaking. In addition, it sets up the arm position to allow the gymnast to use her shoulder strength to repel into other tumbling stunts as she progresses.
-
Step 4
Instruct the child to pull her abdomen in and round her back slightly to keep her body in a straight line. Most preschoolers will naturally arch their backs from the pressure of a handstand but this is an faulty position and should be corrected to prevent future bad habits.
-
Step 5
Allow the preschool gymnast to practice her handstands against a wall when she can comfortably kick up to a spotted handstand. Remind her that she must use the correct hand position and keep her abdomen tucked in.
-
Step 6
Monitor the preschool gymnast as she practices her handstands to assure that her legs are straight and together; her toes pointed. Her head should face forwards and not towards the floor. When a gymnast looks at the floor, her back arches.
