I've done wrestling cheer for my middle school years, but this required knowledge of the basic stunts. Ex: hurkie, splits,decent toe touch...
Here are the questions:
A. Do I NEED to have someone spot me during a backhandspring/back tuck?
B. If I stretch everyday, how many months do you think it would take to get my middle splits?
C. Easy ways to get your backhandspring?
Thank you!
I'm not a cheerleader but I am a past gymnast/ current gymnastics coach so hopefully I can help.
A. If you feel like you have a pretty good handle on the back handspring, like your arms stay straight with only a slight bend, your hands stay pointed towards each other (otherwise you could break your elbow) and your head stays off the floor and you are landing on your feet (NEVER YOUR KNEES) then you should be fine! If you feel comfortable trying it by yourself but are frightened try it on a matt or something soft and forgiving if you do fall.
B. Stretching everyday will help you get down further, hold your splits for at least 3 minutes on both legs. I know you only need the flexibility in one but working both will give your better results faster. on the last 30 seconds of each three minutes push yourself down further as hard and far as you can go even though it may be painful.. do not push to the point of injury though. depending on your body it could span from a week to a couple months
C. set up a hill of mats start at the top and just do a simple bridge down then once your hands hit the floor kick both legs over at the same time keeping them together. This requires a lot of tummy strength but it teaches you the correct form! once you have that good and quickly add a jump into it and work from there!
Hope this was helpful!
A. If you have your backhandspring you don't need a spot. But PLEASE do not try to self teach yourself it can cause serious injury.
B. depending on how flexible you are now. If you can do side splits I might say 2 to 3 months if you stretch every day.
C. Really sorry to break it to ya but there is no "easy" way to get a backhandspring. But look for a tumbling class place in your area. This will help you get it quickier with less risk of hurting yourself.
If you have never did a back handspring or tuck, then YES definitely!!! If you can't afford to go to a gym just have a family member who is strong to spot you but it's best to take private lessons or tumbling (best option) at a local gym. I stretched for 10-15 minutes when I woke up, before I ate lunch and before I went to bed every single day for two weeks and I got all three splits while my little sister stretched for 5 minutes a day and got all 3 in a month. It really depends on the person how far you are but a month is a decent time. The easiest way to get your bhs is to go a gym an take tumbling. My sister learned how to do a back handspring by herself her third day there at tumbling. But you can practice by doing back walkovers or bride kick overs if you know how to do those. Good luck!
A) Yes
B) 2
C) Have someone stronger and bigger than you spot you and help you get it at first. Make sure you use a mat!!
