Gymnastics Help? Back handspring?

Question

I cannot do back handsprings on the ground because it hurts my wrists and they look terrible

I can, however, do them on the trampoline! Quite well... heres my video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6raAoKDweY

How do you condition your wrists to do them on the ground?

I need to be able to do them on the ground/hard surface by September 2nd

Please help!

Answer 1

Quit doing them on the trampoline. You don't need it anymore. You are pretty bouncy when you launch into a bhs on it, which absorbs your weight and lessens the pain of impact, but as you have discovered it also ruins you for tumbling on the ground.

Lie down on the ground with your arms overhead and have someone put tape at your feet, belly button, and hands. Now do the back handspring. (Have someone there as a light spot if you think you can't do it.) Have another person video your BHS. If you don't land with your hands on the belly button tape, the poor alignment might explain why your wrists hurt. Try the BHS again and really look for the tape and land your hands on it. See if that feels any better than before.

If there is still pain you should talk to your doctor, just to be on the safe side, and see what exercises (s)he suggests. I would recommend avoiding tape wraps or braces because in the long run they actually weaken your wrists and make the original problem worse. If wraps are all your doctor offers as a solution, then you might want to see a sports doctor for a second opinion.

Good luck!

Answer 2

ok. when you do them on a trampoline your wrists don't have to be as strong and you don't need to use as much muscle because the trampoline is bouncy and bounces you up. however, on ground it's all up to your own hands to bring you up. so when you do them on the ground try to make your wrists more strong. by the way-your back handsprings on the trampoline are beautiful. i'm trying to do them myself. any tips?