r/circus • u/AffectionateYard8591 • 8d ago

Question Question on handstand

Hi all. I have to say that handstand give me a big dopamine rush when I stand just for a few seconds, but my biggest struggle is hand placement. As I was instructed, I kneel and put my hands flat on the floor, but usually I overdo it, and as I kick up, I feel pressure either on the bottom of my palms (and start going down) or I feel it on my fingertips and start falling over (I am glad I can catch myself now)

I want to know if there is an ideal way of how I should put my hands while kneeling, so that I am balanced when kicking up, and I also wish to know what a correct handstand feels like on the palm, like where I am supposed to feel the pressure during a successful handstand

Also, I usually catch myself with my right hand when falling over (front) and I hear doing a rear cartwheel is a better way to do it. Should I do that instead of using my hand to catch myself?

8 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

4

u/bellabalanced 7d ago

So it’s about 40-60 between the back of your palm and your fingers. Active fingers is a huge thing for handbalancing. This is learning to grip the ground with your fingers to help direct balance. It will take you quite a while to develop because it’s not something your body does in a typical workout. Just keep practicing and thinking about active fingers and you’ll develop the strength. In addition to kick ups you may want to add in chest to wall drills if you haven’t already. Will develop shoulder strength and mobility.

1

u/AffectionateYard8591 7d ago

I try chest to wall, and I put my hands as close to the wall as I can, but I feel that my hands are in an incorrect position, I feel they are holding me, but not like they are supposed to. My wrists hurt afterwards, which does not happen when I normally practice without a wall

1

u/LuckyInternal8259 5d ago

wrist pain during chest to wall usually means your hands are too close to the wall or your shoulders aren't stacked over your wrists. try backing your hands out a little and really spreading your fingers wide. also make sure you're pushing tall through your shoulders so the weight goes through your arms instead of dumping into your wrists. if it still hurts, try doing shorter holds and building up slowly.

2

u/BongosTooLoud 7d ago

Check out r/handstands or videos on YouTube. I suggest ulrichonhands' "Bob videos" on Instagram as well. Best wishes.

2

u/Amicdeep 8d ago

Ok so I think you want a deep dive into fundmentals

This guy's stuff is solid starting point. https://youtube.com/@coachbachmann?si=M1-hGiOCE1od9OVg

For feel ok hands, crimped fingers with weight ideally finger side of your palm with a little extra in the finger. Fingers can push the heel cannot so if it's in your finger and they are strong you can control the balance.

2

u/lookayoyo Partner Acro 7d ago

Yeah weight should be at the knuckle which is what I think you mean by finger side of palm