In this lesson, you will learn how to perform a frontwhip stepout, which is essentially a gymnastic front handspring stepout—but done without using your hands. Before attempting this skill, you should already be comfortable with both the no-handed cartwheel and the front handspring stepout.
If your goal is to eventually learn the frontwhip with closed legs, start with the stepout variation. The standard frontwhip (with legs together) is more difficult than the stepout. It's best to try this into water first, then progress to jumping from a Reuther springboard onto mats.
You can find more advanced gymnastics instruction at Artistic Gymnastics – Main.
Execution
- Approach
Run straight forward with your arms aligned alongside your torso. - Takeoff Preparation
Step forward with your left leg and lean slightly forward (about 45°). Keep your abdominals tight as you prepare to jump. Avoid bending down too much or sitting back. Also, do not bend your knees excessively. - Kick and Rotation
Kick your right leg up strongly and look straight ahead—do not look down at the floor. Try to keep your gaze forward for as long as possible. Arch your back slightly as you initiate the kick. - Split and Arm Movement
Extend your legs into a wide split position and continue looking forward until your left leg lifts off the ground. At the same time, whip your arms downward or open them out to the sides. - Landing
Land first on your right leg and bring your arms back in line with your upper body. Your gaze should be directed up and forward at a 45° angle, not downward.
Advice
- Learn the gymnastic front handspring stepout and the tucked front flip before attempting the frontwhip stepout.
- Training tip: Practice by jumping from a Reuther springboard onto mats.
- If you're practicing into water, jump from a 1-meter platform, not a springboard. Also, be sure to run into the frontwhip stepout. Do not walk—when jumping from a hard platform, you need forward momentum.
- Once you’ve mastered the frontwhip stepout, progress to the frontwhip with closed legs, and eventually to the aerial twist.
- The more flexible your legs and back are, the easier the movement will be.
Suggestions
- Gymnastic Front Handspring
- Gymnastic Front Handspring Stepout
- Frontwhip with Closed Legs
Videos
