Back walkover facts for kids
A back walkover is an amazing acrobatic move! It's like doing a full circle with your body, starting standing up, going into a bridge, and then standing up again. You'll often see back walkovers in exciting activities. These include acro dance, cheerleading, and rhythmic gymnastics. In artistic gymnastics, gymnasts perform them in their floor exercises and on the balance beam.
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How Do You Do a Back Walkover?
Learning a back walkover takes practice! It's a cool move that combines strength and flexibility. Here's how gymnasts and dancers usually perform it.
Starting Position
First, you begin standing tall. Your arms are often raised above your head. You slowly arch your back, reaching your hands towards the floor. Your tummy muscles stretch as you bend backward.
Moving Through the Bridge
Your hands will touch the floor. Both your hands and feet should be flat on the ground. This creates a strong back bridge shape. From this bridge, you quickly lift one leg. This leg is called the leading leg. Lifting it gives your body momentum. This momentum helps lift your other leg off the floor. Now, only your hands are touching the ground!
Finishing Strong
Your body keeps revolving backward. You pass through a handstand position. Both hands stay firmly on the floor. The foot of your leading leg lands first. Then, your other foot follows. Once both feet are on the floor, you push up. You return to a standing position, completing the amazing back walkover!
Cool Variations to Try!
Once you master the basic back walkover, there are some fun variations. These add extra challenge and style to the move.
One-Handed Walkover
Imagine doing the same move, but with only one hand! In a one-handed walkover, you only place one hand on the floor. This requires even more balance and strength.
The Valdez Move
A valdez is a special kind of back walkover. It starts differently! Instead of standing, you begin this move from a sitting position. It's a graceful way to get into the walkover.
Bridge Kickover
A backwards kickover or bridge kickover is similar to a back walkover. The main difference is a short pause. You hold the bridge position for a moment before kicking over. This shows great control and strength.
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