How to Do a Backbend

Series Summary

Gymnastics is a sport that involves a sequence of movements and exercises that require strength and flexibility. Typical gymnastic moves include handsprings, handstands, forward rolls, tucks, somersaults, vaults and other acrobatic maneuvers. Competitive gymnastics, like those in the Olympics, take a lot of dedication and practice. There are many types of gymnastics, including artistic, rhythmic, sports aerobics, sports acrobatics, trampoline, and power tumbling. These are all regulated by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique. The two most popular types of gymnastics are artistic and rhythmic gymnastics; these are the types seen in the Summer Olympic Games. In this free video series on gymnastics, gymnastics coach Caroline Thrift demonstrates the techniques involved with performing a variety of exercises in gymnastics. Thrift begins by explaining how to perform a backflip, a backbend and a cartwheel. She then discusses how to execute a back handspring, handstand and somersault. Watch these free videos and learn more about gymnastics today.

Video Transcript

"Hi, my name is Caroline. I'm here at Encore Gymnastics, and today we're going to teach you how to do a back bend. Amanda's going to come on over and demonstrate for us. Always remember to stretch before you do any gymnastics, and we're going to get started. You're going to want to remember to stretch your wrists. Bend. Bend and push on them upside down. Turn 'em upside down. And stretch your ankles. Roll 'em. And, another skill to do before you do a back bend is you sit down on the ground, put your hands by your ears, and push up. This is a bridge. This'll be the position you'll end in. You want to have your shoulders over your hands. In the end you'll have your feet together and your legs straight. Come on down. When you're beginning to do a back bend, you want to start with your legs pretty far apart. A little farther, and your arms up by your ears. You're going to reach to the ceiling, look at your fingers, push your hips forward, and reach for the ground. That's a back bend."