How to Teach the Splits to Kids

Lots of kids try to do the splits and show off to their friends. Why don't you really give them something to show off with by teaching them to do the splits correctly and get all the way down. They'll be proud of themselves and have a sense of confidence.

Things You'll Need

• Soft flooring or surface for practice
• Door jam

Instructions

1. Start on the ground, resting on your knees. Have the child copy you and do the same. Tell them to sit up on their knees so their rear doesn't touch their legs or the ground. Place your right leg out in front of you. Make sure it is straight. Have the child copy you. Help them straighten their leg if they're having difficulty.

2. Place one hand on either side of the leg. Have the child do this as well. Remind them to keep their hands on the ground. Children will often forget or move their hands to make it simpler or more comfortable but the only correct position is one hand on each side of the leg.

3. Slide your leg out as far as you can while maintaining a straight front leg. Help the child do this as well. Make sure to stay on top of your knee and don't let it turn sideways (turned in) or sit back the leg. Also keep the front extended leg in the correct position. Tell the child to think of their kneecaps as flashlights and they want to always keep the flashlights pointing up. If their leg turns it be sure to correct it by turning it out from their hip and thigh.

4. Hold their waist and tell them to hold their hands firm pressing into the ground. Gently push them down a little further. Tell them to point their front foot. This extends the leg more and helps the child remember to keep their leg straight. Have them hold it for at least one minute. Then switch and do the other side.

5. Help the child with another stretch for their splits, which will increase their flexibility. Have the child stand in a door jam. Help them lift one leg and place it in the doorjam. Allow their foot to slide up the doorjam. Hop their standing foot in as close to the doorjam as possible. Hold for one minute then switch legs.

Tips & Warnings

• Praise the child's progress and correct their mistakes in a supportive manner.

• Encourage the kids to practice.

• Don't push your child too hard as they will just get frustrated or mad and quit.