How to teach a back walkover: 27 drills, step by step

Name: Back Walkover 27
Uploaded: 2026-02-06
Description: Teach the back walkover by building shoulder and back flexibility and a strong bridge first, then a kick-over through a split handstand, and finally the full walkover from standing. These 27 drills cover flexibility, strength and technique. They suit club coaches on women's floor, and the skill later transfers to beam.

Teach the back walkover by building shoulder and back flexibility and a strong bridge first, then a kick-over through a split handstand, and finally the full walkover from standing. These 27 drills cover flexibility, strength and technique. They suit club coaches on women's floor, and the skill later transfers to beam.

27 video steps · floor

Step 1 of 27, free: Back Walkover 27

The phases

Flexibility and bridge: open the shoulders and back to push into a high bridge with straight arms.
Reach back: lift one leg and reach back to the floor with the arms by the ears.
Split handstand: pass through a split handstand with open shoulders.
Step down: bring the lead leg down first and finish in a controlled lunge or stand.

Before you start

The gymnast should push up into a bridge with straight arms and open shoulders, and do a bridge kick-over.

Common mistakes

Shoulders not open: the gymnast bends only in the lower back and can't reach the floor with control.
Legs not in a split: the walkover becomes a back limber and loses form.
Bent arms on hand contact: the shoulders collapse and the kick-over fails.
Head out early: the gymnast loses balance going back.

Coaching cues

Arms by your ears
Push your shoulders over your hands
Kick through split

All 27 steps

Frequently asked questions

What should a gymnast learn before a back walkover?

A bridge with straight arms and open shoulders, a bridge kick-over and a split handstand. Shoulder flexibility usually decides how quickly the full walkover comes together.

Why can't my gymnast kick over in the back walkover?

Common causes are closed shoulders, a weak push through the arms, or too little split flexibility. Focus on shoulder mobility and a high bridge before the full skill.

What is a Back Walkover? Read the glossary entry