subject: Handstand Tips [print this page] Do you make these mistakes when trying to learn how to do a handstand?
Handstand Mistake #1:
Starting with the Handstand
Starting with the handstand is like trying to deadlift 500 lbs. your first time out. Its just not going to happen. What you have to do is build up to it using moves like the frogstand, headstand and other valuable lead-up stunts.
These moves will teach you how to use your body efficiently and effectively so that you can replicate the position and abilities in the handstand itself when you come to it.
If you start with the handstand your first time out, because of the difficulty, you are bound to not do it correctly. If you keep practicing you will set yourself in bad habits that take months to break and will further stall your progress down the line.
Not to mention that you will be frustrated trying to find the 'balance' in a handstand. Much easier to work on the simpler moves first and build up to the handstand.
Handstand Mistake #2:
USING THE ELBOWS OR SHOULDERS INSTEAD OF BALANCING WITH THE HANDS
Its called hand balancing for a reason. Because you must maintain your balance from your hands as much as possible. That is why the handstand is so hard. You have a tiny base of support when compared to your feet, plus you are upside down with the majority of your mass (i.e. your legs) way up in the air.
It takes lots of practice to learn how to balance. That's what makes the frogstand such a great move. With a low base of support you can learn this skill in a much easier manner.
The truth is you can use a shoulder weave, bend in the elbows, or dip the head to help you keep balanced when you fall outside the range of what your hands and wrists can do, but you must not rely on these. In fact, you should avoid using them in the beginning just to make sure you don't.
Handstand Mistake #3:
WALKING AROUND INSTEAD OF HOLDING STILL
Walking around on the hands is easier than holding still. Since its easier you should practice it first, right? WRONG
You must not do this for a couple reasons. In Walking and Jumping on Your Hands Professor Orlick describes a schoolmate of his that could walk circles around him literally and figuratively. The thing was, as good as this boy was at walking on his hands, he couldn't stay still for the life of him.
The reason for this is simple. A body in motion stays balanced easier than something still. Think about a bike. Staying on it when riding is easy but not when you are at a dead stop.
When you walk on your hands you are not relying on using your hands for balance which is the skill you have to learn. Instead you just step towards where your body is falling.
Don't worry, after you master a stationary handstand you will be very able to walk around on your hands in every direction then move on to running and jumping but learn to stand still first!
Handstand Mistake #4:
NOT WORRYING ABOUT SAFETY
I have received a few emails from people telling me how they hurt themselves practicing handstands. Obviously it can be a dangerous sport. If you lose control while upside down you may come crashing down. Besides being injured you will take time away from further practice.
Handstand Mistake #5:
GIVING UP OR BEING IMPATIENT
You will never be able to hold a handstand if you give up trying. I can't promise you will learn it overnight but with the right help you can drastically cut down on the amount of time it will take. Though it will still take time and effort.
There will be times when you get frustrated, when you just can't seem to make any progress, but you have to push through these. You will succeed in the long run if you stick to it. In the future you'll be able to look back and wonder how you weren't able to do it before.
