Question

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.

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Answer

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