From stand, we step forward with one (the first) leg, arms move upward. We place our hands on the mat and simultaneously swing backwards with the other leg, then move the first leg to the feet-together position. In the final position, the whole body is stretched out, pushe up with the shoulders, eyes follow the area between hands.

View of the practitioner

Handstand is a static balance position in which the stability is determined by the size of the support base, the height of the centre of gravity, and the weight of the athlete. Corrective movements, particularly at the shoulder and wrist joints, are essential to maintain the body's centre of gravity above the base of support. A tight body allows optimal transfer of correction movements between body segments.

• Insufficient extension from the shoulders leading to another error, which is arch position, bent head, bent arms, bent legs.

• Physical preparation 1

  Strengthening exercises leading to body firmness should be performed in various modifications. For example, rolling while lying on the back.

• Physical preparation 2

  It is recommended to combine trunk and upper limbs strengthening exercises.

• Physical preparation 3

  Another exercise could be done by the turns in lying support.

• Physical preparation 4

  Flexibility in the shoulder joint is important, passive, at first.

• Physical preparation 5

  And do not forget also the active flexibility.

• Drill 1

  We start practicing by putting weight on the hands in a squatting position.

• Drill 2

  We continue by practicing handstand with support on an elevated platform.

• Drill 3

  This is followed by a assisted handstand. When moving into handstand, a spotter fix athlete's shoulder with the knee to prevent him from falling.

• Drill 4

  The handstand is performed by leaning against the wall from the split squat, hands on the floor. It is necessary to watch the area between the hands. We provide assistance at the shoulder and thigh of the swing leg.

• Drill 5

  Then we perform a handstand by leaning against a wall from the standing position. Only the heels touch the wall.

• Drill 6

  To improve the handstand technique, we perform the handstand facing the wall.

Spotting is provided by holding the lower limbs at the knees at the side of the swinging leg. We can lock gymnast's shoulders in the handstand with the knee.