The back handspring is a cornerstone skill in gymnastics and many acrobatic disciplines. Yet, beneath its fluid execution lies a biomechanical reality that every coach and athlete must understand: hand positioning significantly affects the load experienced by the elbow joint.
A recent study analyzing three hand positions—inward, parallel, and outward—revealed that outward and parallel placements increase vertical and medio-lateral forces at the elbow. These elevated joint loads, repeated across thousands of training repetitions, may increase the risk of chronic elbow injuries such as lateral compression syndromes.
Why does this happen? The outward and parallel positions promote greater elbow flexion, possibly as a compensatory strategy to absorb force. However, this also suggests a vulnerability: if the athlete cannot resist this flexion under pressure, the joint absorbs more stress than it should. In contrast, inward hand positions—typically rotated approximately 45 degrees inward—align more closely with traditional “blocking” techniques—arms extended and firm—which appear to distribute force more safely across…
For coaches and athletes, this insight isn’t just academic. Technique selection must be evidence-based, especially for foundational movements. It’s essential to reassess hand position not just for aesthetics or habit, but for long-term joint health.
Technique is an expression of your physical abilities. Refine it wisely.
Based on concepts from “Elbow Loading During the Backwards Handspring: The Influence of Hand Position” by Laurie Needham et al., used with educational intent.
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