Back walkover

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A valdez, performed by an acro dancer
A valdez, performed by an acro dancer

A back walkover is a gymnastic maneuver in which a person transitions from a standing position to a gymnastic back bridge and then back to a standing position again, undergoing one complete rotation of the body in the process. Back walkovers are commonly performed in acro dance, cheerleading and gymnastics floor exercises.

The back walkover maneuver begins in the standing position. The back is increasingly arched, stretching the abdominal muscles, until both hands and both feet rest flat on the floor, thus forming a gymnastic back bridge. While in the bridge position, one leg is lifted and then the other leg is used to push off the lower body from the floor so that all body weight is supported by the hands. Both hands are kept flat on the floor while the back muscles push the body through a handstand. The handstand is controlled until first one foot, and then the other, reach the floor. When both feet are on the floor, the person returns to an erect standing position.

[edit] Variations

  • In a one-handed walkover, only one hand is place on the floor.
  • A valdez is a back walkover that begins in a sitting position.

[edit] External links