Want to get better at tumbling?


doing handstandsThere are times an athlete struggles with progressing in their tumbling, there are numerous factors that come into play into helping the athlete achieve their goal in tumbling. One of these factors, as I have noticed, is how well the athlete can perform the handstand. 

When doing the handstand the athlete is not only just holding them selves with their hands, they are engaging in complex movements that the whole body to work together. The athlete is developing strength as well as communicating with all the muscle in their body to help control the handstand. We get lots of athletes that come in and are having trouble progressing or even landing their trick, and one thing we have found in common is that they were not training their handstand.

If you were to break down the anatomy of most tumbling tricks, even the most basic ones, you begin to see why the handstand is vital to achieving success in tumbling.  We will use the cart wheel for example. There is a point in which the athlete is holding all the weight on both their hands in the inverted position (upside down). This is essentially a handstand being performed sideways, with a side step out. If you were to do this to multiple techniques you begin to see how vital the handstand is when tumbling.

This is why we really drive doing the handstand in our gym. Aside from the basic holding of the handstand there are multiple exercises that an athlete can perform in the handstand position. For example the handstand block. This is when the athlete pushes off the ground, using their shoulders, while in the handstand and performing what looks like a jump or pop in the handstand. Walking handstands are also good for developing better control, balance, and strength in the athlete. 

Regardless the case the handstand, stands (no pun intended) as an important building block in the athlete and should not be ignored. It is one, not the only, of the factors that can help the athlete progress in their strength and ability. The handstand should be seen as more than a Level 1 skill, and should be incorporated at all levels. If you are in need of some awesome tumbling classes, Pacific beach All-Stars has the perfect tumbling program for you.

Can you spot the handstands in these tumbling tricks below?





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