Floor 20 – Headspring

Gymnast moves from standing position or roll to headstand in a pike position. When the hips are above the head he kicks up dynamically. The athlete moves through the handstand and continues through the body extending to the final standing position.

Headspring

View of the practitioner

Headspring: View of the practitioner

The element is a combination of linear and rotational motion. From headstand position, the rotation is mainly generated by the kick of the lower limbs. Their momentum is transferred to the trunk at the end of the kick based on the law of conservation of momentum, and the whole body rotates in the flight phase. The height of the flight is ensured by the force of the arms. Proper timing of the upper and lower limbs' work is essential. The push-off from the arms should be performed just before the completion of the leg swing so that the centre of gravity follows the optimal parabola and the gymnast lands on the feet.

Headspring: Biomechanics
  • Uncoordinated work of the arms and legs.
  • Head flexed and its poor support in the initial part of the element.
  • Hips extension with arms extension start before the hips are in front of the head.
  • Physical preparation 1

    Upper limb strength is a functional prerequisite. Various modifications of handstand push-ups are suitable.

    Headspring: Physical preparation 1.1
    Headspring: Physical preparation 1.2
  • Physical preparation 2

    Prepare for the second phase of the element by leaning against the wall.

    Headspring: Physical preparation 2
  • Physical preparation 3

    Also, a bridge or similar exercises will make learning the element easier.

    Headspring: Physical preparation 3.1
    Headspring: Physical preparation 3.2
    Headspring: Physical preparation 3.3
  • Drill 1

    We start the drill from a headstand in a pike position. Using the swing of the legs, we move to a handstand, with assistance. The correct timing of the movements is important.

    Headspring: Drill 1
  • Drill 2

    In the next phase of training, we can use the support of the legs on an elevated surface.

    Headspring: Drill 2
  • Drill 3

    We continue on the elevated surface by increasing the range of motion with a transition to standing. In the beginning, spotting is necessary. Gradually, we reduce the platform elevation.

    Headspring: Drill 3.1
    Headspring: Drill 3.2
    Headspring: Drill 3.3
    Headspring: Drill 3.4
  • Drill 4

    Training is also suitable on an inclined surface.

    Headspring: Drill 4:1
  • Drill 5

    The raised surface can also be used for hand and head support only.

    Headspring: Drill 5
  • Drill 6

    Next, perform a headspring after the forward roll.

    Headspring: Drill 6
  • Drill 7

    Then we continue with the final execution from a standing position.

    Headspring: Drill 7

Spotting is provided by holding the gymnast's arm and hip.

Headspring: Spotting