How to do a Handstand
A Handstand is an acro skill on floor exercise that gymnasts usually learn between Levels 1 and 2.
Also called: handstand hold.
Quick facts
| Apparatus | Floor Exercise |
|---|---|
| Typical level (estimate) | Levels 1-2 |
| Difficulty (Stickd rating) | 2/10 |
| Time to learn (estimate) | About 3 weeks |
| Fear factor (Stickd rating) | 1/5 |
Levels, ratings and timelines are Stickd estimates for planning, not USAG requirements.
Step-by-step progression
A Handstand is a starting skill with no required prerequisite.
- 1
Handstand
Learn a Handstand. Allow about 3 weeks (estimate).
Drills that build a Handstand
What good form looks like
Vertical handstand on floor with straight arms and body alignment.
- shoulders: open
- elbows: straight
- hips: extended
- knees: straight
- ankles: pointed
Common deductions on a Handstand
| Deduction | What it means | Typically |
|---|---|---|
| Bent Arms | Arms not fully extended when they should be straight | 0.1 |
| Bent Knees | Legs not fully extended during skills requiring straight legs | 0.1 |
| Body Alignment | Body not in proper line (arch, pike, or lean) | 0.1 |
| Shoulder Angle | Shoulders not open to 180 degrees in handstand positions | 0.1 |
Typical values; judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is, and the judges' score is the official one.
Skills a Handstand unlocks
- Cartwheel (Floor Exercise, Level 2)
- Front Handspring (Floor Exercise, Levels 4-5)
Watch an example
Watch a Handstand tutorial on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
Frequently asked questions
- What level do gymnasts learn a Handstand?
- Gymnasts usually learn a Handstand between Levels 1 and 2. That is a typical range, and every gymnast and gym moves at a different pace.
- How long does it take to learn a Handstand?
- About 3 weeks of regular practice, as a rough estimate. Real timelines vary a lot from gymnast to gymnast.
- What are the most common deductions on a Handstand?
- The ones to watch for are Bent Arms (usually about 0.1), Bent Knees (usually about 0.1), Body Alignment (usually about 0.1) and Shoulder Angle (usually about 0.1). Judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is.