How to Complete a Front Handspring

The front handspring is one of the core competencies in any gymnastics floor routine. Because you will use a front handspring as the first element in many front-to-back tumbling passes, in several different vaults and on the balance beam, mastery of the front handspring is critical to your gymnastics career.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Run in the direction in which you will do the handspring. When you are ready to do the front handspring, do a skip-step.

2. Lunge forward with your dominant leg and put your hands on the floor, shoulder width apart. For a higher front handspring, rotate your upper body to the floor quickly.

3. Kick your back leg up into the air over your head. Arch your back. Push hard with your front leg and your momentum will cause it to lift into the air. Keep your legs together.

4. Bend your elbows slightly, and keep your back arched. Thrust up, using your shoulders to spring into the air.

5. When your feet reach the ground, keep your back arched, your head back, and your arms above your head. You will roll back into standing position with the front handspring complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Mastery over several more basic skills can aid you in your attempts to complete a front handspring. Some of these include the forward roll, the front walkover and a front tinsika.
• After you master the front handspring on the floor, you should begin working on it on the balance beam. Your next trick on the floor should be the aerial walkover.

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