snap down

[gracefulone]

We sometimes go up into a handstand on a block, then snap down into multiple backhandsprings. It really helps us when we put our actual passes together.

[lil'gymnast]

we do snap downs all the time, too. one of my favorite drills is snap down onto a mini tramp then a back tuck or layout or full or hopefully more soon.

[JBS]

Snap downs are extremely important. Many gymnasts are too concerned with getting a BHS. A strong snap down is the glue that connects your tumbling. CONNECTION IS KEY. Spend just as much time on snap downs and strength as you do BHS's and you'll do great.

[hammy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by |||JBS||| Snap downs are extremely important. Many gymnasts are too concerned with getting a BHS. A strong snap down is the glue that connects your tumbling. CONNECTION IS KEY. Spend just as much time on snap downs and strength as you do BHS's and you'll do great.

I agree! Snap downs and backhandspring sprints and drills are some of the best drills, and they should be done a regular basis. If a gymnast can do a correct snap down they are golden for back tumbling!

[flipflopdreamer]

We do snap downs without the BHS's.

[littlegymchampsmom]

why is a block used for the handstand snap down bhs?... our rec gym uses this but our club gym does not.

[JBS]

Quote:
Originally Posted by littlegymchampsmom why is a block used for the handstand snap down bhs?... our rec gym uses this but our club gym does not.

It is much harder to do a snap down from the floor. If your hands are up on a block, part of the work is already done for you. Normally a gymnast will start with a larger block and move to lower and lower blocks as they get stronger.

At our gym (we are rec.), we will set up many different blocks, panel mats, and spring boards and the gymnasts will rotate around. That way they get a little taste of everything.

[littlegymchampsmom]

Thanks, I was wondering because my dd does her snap down bhs on the floor in her pre-team practice... she still bends her arms sometimes for this and her ro bhs's, so I put her into a bhs clinic this last weekend to work on it at the rec gym she has been in since a baby (so they know her well)... the coach had her do snap down bhs's from a block about 8"'s tall... my dd did her handstand on the block and when she went to snap down and flip back, she landed right on her head - ouch!! anyway the coach switched her to floor sd bhs's after that... but for a moment, well... no one likes to see their babies get hurt ... could it be because she is pretty small? or because her arms are shorter? or, did that just create too much strength for a little body too control? well bottom line I just want her to do them correctly, so any info you have provided has been great. Thanks - lgcm

[JBS]

Quote:
Originally Posted by littlegymchampsmom Thanks, I was wondering because my dd does her snap down bhs on the floor in her pre-team practice... she still bends her arms sometimes for this and her ro bhs's, so I put her into a bhs clinic this last weekend to work on it at the rec gym she has been in since a baby (so they know her well)... the coach had her do snap down bhs's from a block about 8"'s tall... my dd did her handstand on the block and when she went to snap down and flip back, she landed right on her head - ouch!! anyway the coach switched her to floor sd bhs's after that... but for a moment, well... no one likes to see their babies get hurt ... could it be because she is pretty small? or because her arms are shorter? or, did that just create too much strength for a little body too control? well bottom line I just want her to do them correctly, so any info you have provided has been great. Thanks - lgcm

Ouch! Sorry to hear that.

8" is pretty low...most likely she's just not developing enough power from the snap down. Before a BHS is added to a snap down...a good rebound should be present. In other words she should be able to snap down and bounce backwards a couple feet. The rebound should be slanted backwards.

We do a great drill for this. Snap down, rebound long and low, run backwards. Some kids snap down and then have to try and run backwards. Others are so powerful that they MUST run back or they will fall over. The kids that MUST run back always have the best snap down BHS's. It's just a power thing.

[littlegymchampsmom]

yes, it was an ouch which scared me more than her... she has a strong snap down rebound and actually a great snap down bhs (& she can do 5 from standing - last one looks kind of weak though - kinda slow ).. just not w/the block lol... I am not exactly sure of the size, but on her it reached up to about mid thigh... and I think w/her bent arms issue it probably did not help ... now I am not sure if it is strength or repetition or just plain old practice but I think she has really picked up the hang of keeping those arms strong and is hopefully on the right track - I just prefer no more w/the block for now lol... tx for the help