Spotting Back handsprings

Quick tip on spotting back handsprings.

Stand about and arm length behind the tumbler when spotting instead of directly beside them.  This allows for a couple components of the back handspring to work more effectively. 

1. The tumbler can swing their arms back without hitting your spotting arm which interrupts the forward swing.  A full swing is vital in providing the rotation necessary to get over in the skill.

2.  It allows, and in fact encourages the tumbler to jump back in the skill.  When they know they have to jump back in order to get an adequate spot, they are more likely to focus on the direction of the back handspring.  Taking the back handspring backward as opposed to upward is the most effective component in making sure you rotate.

Remember to place your hand on the low back/hip bone instead of the middle of the back so that you can maniplate their body in space easier and make sure they rotate completely.

Good luck and great tumbling!