Spotting a back handspring is a critical skill for any gymnastics coach or spotter. It involves guiding and supporting a gymnast as they perform a back handspring, ensuring their safety and helping them to execute the skill correctly.
To spot a back handspring, the spotter should stand behind the gymnast with their feet shoulder-width apart and their knees slightly bent. They should place their hands on the gymnast’s lower back, with their thumbs pointing towards the gymnast’s spine. As the gymnast begins to jump backwards, the spotter should follow them, keeping their hands in contact with the gymnast’s back. When the gymnast reaches the apex of their jump, the spotter should gently push them backwards, helping them to rotate over their hands and land on their feet.
