Handstand
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A handstand is the act of supporting the body in a stable, inverted vertical position by balancing on the hands. In a basic handstand the body is held straight with arms and legs fully extended, with hands spaced approximately shoulder-width apart. There are many variations of handstands, but in all cases a handstand performer must have good balance and upper body strength.
Handstands are performed in many athletic activities, including acro dance, acrobatics, breakdance, capoeira, cheerleading and freerunning. Handstands are know by various names. In yoga, the handstand is known as Adho Mukha Vrksasana (downward-facing tree pose), and in capoeira it is named bananeira. Handstand dives is a category found in competitive platform diving. Some variation of the handstand is performed on every gymnastic apparatus, and many tumbling skills pass through a handstand position during their execution.
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[edit] Posture
There are two basic handstand styles in gymnastics: curved-back and straight-back. Both styles are performed in gymnastics, although the straight-back style is employed more frequently in modern gymnastics. In some cases (e.g., when a handstand is being performed in conjunction with a gymastic apparatus) the straight-back style is preferred as it offers superior control over balance. In all cases, balance is maintained by shifting body weight towards the fingers or the heel of the hand. [1]
All basic handstands have these posture characteristics:
- Locked Arms — Straight arms, with hands placed on the ground approximately shoulder-width apart.
- Locked Legs — Straight legs, either held together or in a "V".
- Pointed Toes — Feet pointed straight so as to continue the lines of the legs.
In addition, straight-back handstands have these posture characteristics:
- Tucked Head — Face pointed forward, as if standing upright.
- Hollowed Hips — Hips pushed forward so as to straighten the spine. If performed while lying flat, this would cause the small of the back to contact ground.
[edit] Variations
Popular variations of the handstand include positions with the legs extended in a side or front split, legs in a front split with knees bent ("stag split"), with back extremely arched, legs slightly bent and toes touching back of head, and one-handed. Dancers in the breakdance community employ many handstand variations as freezes or one-handed kicks.
Handstand pushups, in which one raises and lowers the body while holding a handstand, are a test of both balance and upper-body strength.
Swimmers sometimes do handstands underwater, by rolling forward, placing the hands on the bottom of the pool, and raising the legs and feet out of the water. Underwater handstands may be a game or contest between swimmers to see who can maintain the handstand the longest.
[edit] Risks
The handstand is a fairly safe pose when performed correctly and is comparable to a headstand. Either can produce momentary dizziness or vision changes, especially for those with conditions such as high blood pressure. Such individuals sometimes choose a smaller inversion like the "legs up the wall" pose as a substitute.[citation needed]
When falling backwards, the performer tucks his chin to the chest and smoothly rolls down. Once this is mastered, there is very little risk involved.[citation needed]
The most common side effect when doing the headstand or the handstand is getting temporary bloodshot eyes.[citation needed]
Transitioning from a handstand to a headstand can be dangerous.[citation needed]
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
Media related to Handstand at Wikimedia Commons
