5 Handstand Drills for Beginners

This is generic information and not to be confused with advice. Speak to a professional for all your health needs and seek their counsel. Children need to be under adult supervision at all times. We disclaim all liability for any physical harm resulting from the information on this website. For more info see our disclaimer and privacy policy

Here are 5 handstand drills for beginners- although really gymnasts of all ages and levels can benefit from the drills in this video!

Makenzie is wearing the Make Your Dreams Happen shirt from the GymnasticsHQ shop.

10 minute handstand workout updated thumbnail

Handstand Drills for Beginners

Lunges: There are 3 parts to this drill-

  • Legs together, T, legs together- this is to practice the “T” shape you want when you are entering and exiting your handstand. Start in a straight stand with your legs together, then move to the “T” shape with one leg up and your arms next to your ears. Then return to a straight stand.
  • Lunge, T, Lunge- This is to practice the “T” shape from a lunge. You want to start and end your handstands in a lunge.
  • Lunge, T, Handstand, T, Lunge- Now actually do the handstand and just enter and exit by moving through the “T” shape.

Standing Handstand Shape with a T-Shirt– Hold a t-shirt over your head while standing with your legs together. We are going to practice the straight-body handstand shape that you want. Squeeze your bottom, and your stomach and grow tall by pulling your arms up even farther. 

Open Shoulder Walks- Forwards, Backwards and Side to Side– This handstand drill will help you practice staying in a really tight body position–which you need to hold your handstand. Get in a plank position and then move your feet slightly back to open up your shoulders more. Then walk forwards, backwards and side to side.

Spiderman Against the Wall– This is one of our favorite handstand drills to do because you can use the wall to make sure you get in a completely straight body position.

Handstand Shaping on the Ground– Lay on the ground on your stomach. Tighten up your muscles so that your chest and arm pits come off the floor in a really tight hollow body position.

Check out our new Handstand Training Packet:

handstand training packet

We will be doing these drills plus more in the upcoming 30 Day Handstand Challenge starting on Monday! Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, you will do some great drills that will help you hold your handstand longer and take more steps!

Related Posts:

18 comments… add one
  • Yvonne Biggs March 1, 2021, 8:18 am

    Hi in order to do the handstand challenge do you have to pay

    Reply
    • Azra Bauman March 1, 2021, 11:10 pm

      I’m wondering the same. Can we see the videos of daily drills? Or do we have to pay in order to view them

      Reply
      • gymnasticshq May 9, 2021, 10:03 am

        It’s a paid program, see the answer below! Just $7/mo!

        Reply
      • gymnasticshq May 9, 2021, 10:03 am

        Yay, glad to hear that!

        Reply
    • gymnasticshq May 9, 2021, 10:03 am

      Hi – so sorry to be replying so late, but yes, our monthly subscription program, Skilltrakker, is $7/month. You will get to participate in 3 daily challenges each day and there are other drills also to be completed throughout the month. For each challenge completed, you earn points which can be redeemed for prizes! Gymnasts also get to show off their daily streak for completing challenges every day! If gymnasts complete the entire program (every single daily and every single monthly challenge) by the end of the month, earning the top amount of points, they will earn a bonus 2000 points!

      Reply
  • Lizzie March 9, 2021, 2:26 pm

    thanks for this, will defo be using

    Reply
    • gymnasticshq May 9, 2021, 10:03 am

      Awesome!

      Reply
  • Lizzie March 18, 2021, 5:21 am

    hi,
    I have a range and conditioning competition via video and my straddle lift to handstand i’m really struggling with it. Any tips?
    thanks
    Lizzie

    Reply
    • gymnasticshq May 9, 2021, 10:04 am

      Strengthening and flexibility drills!

      Reply
  • Katie Gillette March 19, 2021, 10:45 pm

    It costs $7 to sing up for Skilltrakker . I use it everyday and there are prizes you can win!

    Reply
    • gymnasticshq May 9, 2021, 10:04 am

      🙂 We love our Skilltrakker family and love that you’re a part of it, Katie!

      Reply
  • horse May 22, 2021, 3:56 pm

    can you please post something new

    Reply
  • Gymnastwannabe June 3, 2021, 11:42 pm

    Hi, I am a daily user of your website and I ❤️ it. I was wondering if you could post some more Skill how-tos, because I really need those. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Ducky October 2, 2021, 7:17 pm

      Can you guys post some tutorials for different skills?

      Reply
  • Fairway Flix August 5, 2021, 12:51 am

    These handstand drills are really helpful

    Reply
  • Carly Garrett September 12, 2021, 7:51 am

    I would have joined the handstand challenge except you have to pay for it.
    Hopefully the girls are really helpful because handrails aren’t that helpful to me usually.

    Reply
  • Mariam November 23, 2021, 9:43 am

    I love this app I’m also practicing gymnastics at home and I’m watching gymnastics videos,tv shows,movies,and documentaries pls can the gymnastic HQ give on of the calenders for free.

    Reply
  • nobody February 8, 2024, 8:35 am

    wa tsenwa

    Reply
Cancel reply

Leave a Comment