What Is a Running Back Handspring?

Quick answer: a running back handspring is a back handspring performed after a run and roundoff, using that run-up momentum to power a bigger, faster handspring than the equivalent standing version.

What Does It Look Like?

After a run and a roundoff convert forward speed into backward momentum, the athlete flows directly into a back handspring - sitting back, placing the hands, snapping through the handstand-like phase, and blocking back up onto the feet - carrying far more speed and power than a standing back handspring starting from rest.

Who Is Involved?

Tumbling is performed individually, though multiple athletes typically perform their running back handsprings together, in unison, within a routine's tumbling section.

Where It Fits in a Routine

A running back handspring is almost always used as a connecting skill within a full running tumbling pass - for example "roundoff, back handspring, back tuck" - rather than as a stand-alone skill.

How the Term Is Used

"Running back handspring" is often simply shortened to "BHS" within a written pass description, with "running" implied by the roundoff that precedes it in the sequence.

Related Skills

A running back handspring builds on the same technique as a standing back handspring, and depends on a solid, powerful roundoff to generate the momentum it uses.

Level / Division Context

Under the USASF All Star rules (2026–27), running handsprings - including the classic roundoff back handspring - are allowed from Level 2, the same level that introduces the standing back handspring. Level 3 then allows a back tuck to be added at the end of the pass.

What Judges Look For Conceptually

Judges are generally looking for a powerful, controlled roundoff entry, straight body lines through the handspring, and a strong, controlled block that sets up whatever skill follows.