Handstand to Bridge with Two Spotters: A Controlled Arch

In groups of three, the performer kicks up to a handstand and lowers into a bridge while two spotters support the hips and back. It combines inverted balance with flexibility and requires coordinating with spotters.

How to play

1. Review bridge from the floor and handstand against the wall bars, 30 seconds each (5 min).
2. Spotting practice without a performer: where to stand, one hand on the shoulder and one on the lower back, calls "up" and "down" (5 min).
3. Handstand with both spotters holding the legs at vertical, 3 seconds, then down the way they came (6 min).
4. Handstand to bridge: from vertical, spotters guide the hips forward while the feet lower onto a crash mat (9 min).
5. Each trio picks its best attempt and shows it to another trio (5 min).

Rules

• Only try the handstand to bridge if your floor bridge has straight arms.
• Spotters don't let go until the feet touch down.
• The performer gives the "up" and "down" calls.
• Always land on a crash mat while learning.

Variations

Adaptations

• Back or wrist injury: lead spotter and observer with the sheet.
• Hesitant students: spotted handstand only, or bridge from the wall bars.
• Low vision: spotters describe each phase and the mat edge is marked.

Learning goals

• Perform a controlled spotted handstand to bridge.
• Coordinate with two spotters.
• Spot and catch safely.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 12
• crash mats: 4
• wall bars: 2

Teacher tip

Visit each trio during step 4 and don't let anyone try it until you've seen it once. Typical mistake: spotters pulling the hips backward; they should guide, not brake.

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