How to teach the back walkover on beam: 8 drills

Name: Back Walkover Beam 1
Uploaded: 2026-02-06
Description: You teach the back walkover on beam by first making it consistent on floor and on a line, then moving to a low or floor beam before the high beam. This series covers that transfer. It is for coaches whose gymnasts already have a solid floor back walkover and need it straight and confident on beam.

You teach the back walkover on beam by first making it consistent on floor and on a line, then moving to a low or floor beam before the high beam. This series covers that transfer. It is for coaches whose gymnasts already have a solid floor back walkover and need it straight and confident on beam.

8 video steps · beam

Step 1 of 8, free: Back Walkover Beam 1

The phases

Floor and line: perform the back walkover on a line so hands and feet land in one track.
Low beam: transfer to a floor or low beam with mats around for confidence.
Hand placement: place both hands on the beam close together and in line, with straight arms.
Split and step down: pass through a controlled split and place the first foot on the beam.
Finish: stand up with control, arms up, ready for the next element.

Before you start

The gymnast should have a consistent back walkover on floor, a good bridge and a stable handstand on a low beam or line.

Common mistakes

Hands not in line: the gymnast twists or misses the beam.
Not looking for the beam: hand placement is guessed.
Small split: the foot lands too close and the step down is unstable.
Bent arms: the shoulders sink and balance is lost.

Coaching cues

Reach back and find the beam
Hands one in front of the other in line
Long legs, step down on the line

All 8 steps

Frequently asked questions

When can a gymnast do a back walkover on high beam?

When it is consistent on floor, on a line and on a low beam, with straight hand placement and a controlled finish. Many coaches add mats under the high beam at first. The coach decides based on consistency.

Why does my gymnast fall to one side on beam?

Often the hands land out of line or the legs leave the line. Practice on a line on the floor and on a low beam, and check that the shoulders, hips and feet stay square.

What is a Back Walkover on Beam? Read the glossary entry