What Is a Standing Back Handspring?

Quick answer: a standing back handspring is a back handspring performed from a stationary start, with no run-up - often the single skill most associated with the jump from Level 1 to Level 2 in many governing bodies' systems.

What Does It Look Like?

From a stationary standing position, the athlete sits back into a small jump, reaches back to place both hands on the ground, snaps through a brief handstand-like shape, and blocks back up onto both feet - all without any preceding run or roundoff.

Who Is Involved?

Tumbling is performed individually, though multiple athletes typically perform standing back handsprings together, in unison, within a routine.

Where It Fits in a Routine

Standing back handsprings are commonly used as a stand-alone skill, a connecting element between stunts and tumbling, or as the first skill in a short standing tumbling combination.

How the Term Is Used

"Standing back handspring" is often shortened to "standing BHS," distinguishing it from a running back handspring performed after a roundoff.

Related Skills

The standing back handspring builds on the flexibility and control developed through a back walkover, and is the standing counterpart to the running back handspring.

Level / Division Context

Under the USASF All Star rules (2026–27), a single standing back handspring is first allowed at Level 2, and standing back handsprings in series at Level 3. Because it's the hardest skill most Level 2 athletes need, a consistent standing back handspring is widely treated as the Level 2 benchmark - though the rules themselves don't require every athlete to perform one.

What Judges Look For Conceptually

Judges are generally looking for a strong backward spring without a run-up, straight body lines, and a controlled, powerful block back to the feet.