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Front Handspring Progressions: Floor Drill

Front Handspring Progressions is an intermediate-level floor exercise drill that works on body alignment, shoulder angle, snap down and bent arms. Progressive drills building toward a powerful front handspring — from handstand snap-down to full skill with flight.

Quick facts

Event
Floor Exercise
Difficulty
intermediate
Equipment
panel mat, barrel, mat, coach spot
Time per round
about 3 minutes
Muscles
Shoulders, Core, Triceps, Quadriceps, Calves, Upper Back

How to do Front Handspring Progressions

  1. Handstand Snap-Down

    Kick to handstand, then snap feet down to floor aggressively. Build the shoulder push and snap mechanics.

    Cues: Kick to handstand · Push through shoulders · Fast snap-down

  2. Front Limber

    Kick through handstand and lower to bridge, then stand up. Builds the arch and shoulder flexibility needed.

    Cues: Through handstand · Controlled descent · Stand up from bridge

  3. Front Handspring Over Barrel

    Front handspring over a barrel with spot. The barrel helps generate the rotation. Focus on blocking.

    Cues: Block through shoulders · Tight body · Land on feet

  4. Front Handspring on Floor

    Full front handspring on floor with spot, then solo. Focus on run, hurdle, block, and snap-down.

    Cues: Run and hurdle · Block off hands · Snap to feet

Practice this drill under a qualified coach, especially for inversions and flight.

Fixes these deductions

Builds these skills

Video

Watch a demonstration “Front Handspring Drills and Exercises | Gymnastics | Floor | Vault” by Gymnastics Tools, on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Common questions

What does Front Handspring Progressions help with?
Front Handspring Progressions targets body alignment, shoulder angle, snap down and bent arms. Progressive drills building toward a powerful front handspring — from handstand snap-down to full skill with flight.
What level is Front Handspring Progressions for?
Stickd rates Front Handspring Progressions as an intermediate drill. It is part of the progression for Front Handspring (typically Level 4-5), Front Tuck (typically Level 6-7) and Front Handspring Vault (typically Level 5-6).

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