Handspring (gymnastics)

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A handspring is a gymnastics maneuver with two variations - the front handspring and the back handspring. Both variations involve a 360° rotation of the body, using the arms to push off from the ground and complete the move. Handsprings are typically seen in the floor exercise routines choreographed for Men's and Women's artistics Gymnastics as well as Balance Beam. Handsprings are typical elements of tumbling passes. They are often used in cheerleading and acro dance routines.

[edit] Front handspring

In a front handspring the athlete throws his or her hands down to the ground from a lunge position (or with feet together in the case of a fly spring or bounder) and pushes through the shoulders to block. This blocking subsequently causes the body to pop off the ground.

As the athlete's feet leave the ground he/she drives his/her heels in a semi-circular arc over his/her head and then to the ground. The athlete's arms should remain by his ears, close to the head and should remain straight throughout the skill. He/she should keep his/her core tight. The legs should be together and straight as well. The front handspring can be landed, or the gymnast can rebound into other skills, for example bounder/fly spring or front somersaults.

[edit] Back handspring

The back-handspring is a "Blind-Entry", meaning the performer does not see where his or her hands will land until after the skill has begun.

The take-off - This is the beginning leap from feet as the skill is initiated. Where the body is first in contact with the floor. This variation is performed by bending the legs to a sitting position with the hips tucked under. The gymnast rapidly extends the legs and springs backwards, opening the upper shoulders/ back, and swinging the arms hard and fast toward the floor. The lower back in very good gymnasts is supple but strong. The gymnast wants most of the flexibility to come from the upper back and less from the less muscled, and more fragile, lower-back area. The hands land on the ground. The arms are used to support the gymnast while his/her legs complete an arc over the body.

The handstand spring - The landing onto and springing from the hands. This is second point where the body is in contact with the floor.

The ending – The landing, once again, upon the feet which usually completes the skill. This is the third point where the body is in contact with the floor.

A good back handspring has height and distance together creating power, and speed that can be converted to either another back handspring or aerial work such as back somersaults.

Back handsprings are also sometimes known as flip-flops, flic-flacs, back flips, or flics.