Handstand
The full handstand can be introduced once children have developed sufficient strength, balance and body awareness through handstand progressions like the feet-up handstand and 3/4 handstand. These progressions can be introduced in Year 2 or Year 3, depending on the child's ability. The full handstand is a complex gymnastics skill and mastery will take time, as children continue to build strength and coordination through the upper years.
Teaching cues
Introduce the concept of a handstand by starting with feet up on a wall. Then progress to a 3/4 handstand. Children will build arm strength, spacial awareness and body tension through these supported skills that can lead into a full handstand.
1. Feet Up Wall
- Stand with back against the wall.
- Place hands flat on the ground.
- Walk feet up to 45° on the wall
- Hold, then walk feet back down safely.
2. 3⁄4 Handstand
- Start in a standing position.
- Pass through a lunge position and reach hands towards the ground.
- Kick legs up into a 3⁄4 split handstand position, keeping one leg extended straight up in the air and the other leg split (closer to the ground).
- Keep shoulders directly over wrists for stability.
3. Full Handstand
- Start Strong: stand tall, feet together, arms reaching for the sky.
- Lunge & Reach: step into a lunge and place your hands on the ground, arms straight and fingers wide.
- Kick Up: push off with your back leg, then kick the second leg up, aiming for straight legs together.
- Straight Line: Keep your body straight and squeezed tight, with shoulders over wrists.
- Controlled Descent: lower legs slowly down, one leg at a time with control.
Teaching strategies
- Introduce and practice feet up the wall to build upper body strength and control.
- Focus on body alignment and tension when transitioning from a wall-supported handstand to the 3/4 handstand.
- Have children practice kicking up against the wall, using it for support while focusing on balance and body position.
- Encourage children to kick into the 3/4 handstand, focussing on control.
- Gradually reduce reliance on the wall for support and encourage a more independent kick up.
- Ask children to hold their handstand (wall-supported or freely) for several seconds or longer (depending on the age and ability of the children).
- Encourage controlled descents from the handstand by slowly lowering legs back down to the floor.
- Use different drills like wall walks or kick-ups to strengthen the arms and core for better control in the full handstand.
Skill criteria
- Body in a straight line, with no arching or bending.
- Hands firmly planted on the floor, with fingers spread wide for stability.
- Body in full alignment, with legs together and toes pointed.
- The handstand should be held for a few seconds, maintaining balance in the air.
Common errors
- Bending arms – ensure arms are straight and strong to support the body.
- Arching the back – focus on keeping the body straight and aligned, engaging the core.
- Kicking too hard or too soft – encourage a controlled and consistent kicking motion.
- Looking at the floor – keep the gaze slightly forward to maintain better balance.
