How to teach a handstand on the beam: 16 drills

Name: Handstand Beam 1
Uploaded: 2026-02-06
Description: Teach the handstand on beam by moving a strong floor handstand to gradually higher and narrower surfaces: a bench, a low beam, then the high beam. These 16 drills build alignment, balance and confidence on a narrow surface. They suit club coaches whose gymnasts already hold a straight handstand on the floor.

Teach the handstand on beam by moving a strong floor handstand to gradually higher and narrower surfaces: a bench, a low beam, then the high beam. These 16 drills build alignment, balance and confidence on a narrow surface. They suit club coaches whose gymnasts already hold a straight handstand on the floor.

16 video steps · beam

Step 1 of 16, free: Handstand Beam 1

The phases

Floor handstand quality: hold a straight line with open shoulders and the head between the arms.
Raised and narrow surfaces: practise height and hand placement on benches and mats.
Low beam: kick up and hold on the ground beam, using a wall for support where needed.
Higher beam: repeat on a higher beam with mats or a beam enlarger.
High beam: kick up, hold and step down with control on the competition beam.

Before you start

The gymnast should hold a straight, controlled handstand on the floor and step down from it with control.

Common mistakes

Shoulders not fully open: the body leans and the gymnast overbalances.
Chest pushed forward and hollow back: alignment breaks and balance gets harder.
Hands not in line on the beam: the handstand twists or falls sideways.
Looking at the hands: the head comes out and the shoulders close.

Coaching cues

Push the beam away
Head between your arms
Squeeze legs together
Last leg up, first leg down

All 16 steps

Frequently asked questions

When can a gymnast try a handstand on the high beam?

When the handstand is straight and controlled on the floor and on a low beam, including a controlled step down. Moving up gradually through higher beams helps the gymnast stay confident.

Why does my gymnast's handstand fall over on beam?

Often the shoulders are not fully open, so the chest pushes forward and the back hollows. Shoulder mobility and body tension work on the floor usually help more than extra beam attempts.

What is a Handstand on Beam? Read the glossary entry