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How Long Does It Take to Learn a Back Handspring?

Tullahoma Gymnastics & Cheer


Hey there, future tumbling stars! Are you dreaming of doing a back handspring? This awesome move makes you look like you’re flying through the air, and it’s a big milestone in gymnastics and tumbling. But you might be wondering, “How long will it take me to learn a back handspring?” Let’s break it down in a fun and easy way!


Everyone is Different

First of all, it’s important to remember that everyone learns at their own pace. Some kids might learn a back handspring in a few months, while others might take a bit longer. And that’s totally okay! The most important thing is to keep practicing and have fun along the way.


Coach assisting an athlete in a handstand.

Starting with the Basics

Before you start working on a back handspring, you need to be comfortable with some basic skills. These include but are not limited to:

  1. Cartwheels: These help you get used to the motion of going upside down.

  2. Handstands: These build your strength and balance.

  3. Bridges: These make your back flexible and strong.

  4. Back Walkovers: this is foundational move for a back handspring. At TGC, we require a strong back walkover before we release an athlete to regularly work on back handsprings.

Practicing these basics can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on how often you come to class, and how quickly you pick up the moves.


Building Strength and Confidence

Any tumbling skill requires strong muscles and lots of confidence. To build the strength you need, you can do exercises like:

  1. Push-ups: These make your arms and shoulders strong.

  2. Sit-ups: These help strengthen your core.

  3. Leg lifts: These build the muscles in your legs.

Doing these exercises a few times a week can help you get stronger in just a few months. See our blog post about Core Exercises for Kids that can be fun and beneficial for the whole family!


Practicing with a Coach

Taking classes and working with a coach is super helpful and most beneficial. They show you the correct technique and provide drills and spotting to help you get good quality reps in. Most kids start by practicing with a coach using special equipment like mats and trampolines. This makes learning safe and fun! You may also do private lessons from time-to-time if you are wanting to try and expedite your training.


Young athlete doing a back handspring down a wedge mat.

A Realistic Time Frame

So, how long does it take to learn a back handspring? If you practice regularly and work with a coach, you might be able to learn a back handspring in about 6 months to a year. Remember, everyone is different, and some might learn faster or need a bit more time.


Keep Practicing and Have Fun!

The key to learning a back handspring is to keep practicing and never give up. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, trust the process, and enjoy the journey. With dedication and a positive attitude, you’ll be flipping through the air before you know it!


So, keep working hard, listen to your coach, and most importantly, have fun! Your back handspring will come, and it will feel amazing when you nail it! Happy tumbling!

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