 Coach-
Hello! I'm 12 years old and trying out for the 7th grade Cheerleading
Squad in five days. I am Really Excited, yet extremely nervous. And i
can do my back hand spring by myself but i have a problem that i think
the judges will take points off of if i do this at the try outs. The problem
is that when i do my back handspring my legs are straight but they bend
and the come apart occasionally so what can i do to prevent my legs from
bending? i tried putting a sock between my legs then trying to keep it
there the entire time and it works but when i take the sock out, my back
handsprings are bent again please e-mail me ASAP because i only have 5
days to practice!
Thanks a lot.
 MAKE
SURE that your legs are COMPLETELY straight BEFORE they leave the floor...
have your coach spot you and STOP your handspring 1/2 way through... when
you are on your hands. Your spotter should hold you STRAIGHT up and down
in a HANDSTAND. Most tumblers miss the handstand position. Make sure you
have yours.
NEXT... do a split-leg step out at the end of the handspring (after the
handstand) instead of a rebound. It's prettier, easier and once you get
over the awkwardness of the first 10 repetitions you'll love them. Make
sure that when you step out of it... that you step BACKWARDS as far as
possible and keep your ARMS high over your head... narrow... finishing
in a gymnastic stance.
Try it!
~CW
Coach Wayne is the Head Coach for the
Savannah College of Art and Design Cheerleading team and Executive Coach of
Olympic Gymnast Zuzana Sekerova. His articles, videos and books have been
used by students and instructors world wide since 1991. Coach Wayne is available
for in-gym instructor training and performance tumbling clinics throughout
the year. For booking information, coaches/owners should call 912.398.8082.
Students and parents should request coaches/owners to contact Coach Wayne.
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