Definition

Noun: An acrobatic movement where a person propels their body through a complete 360-degree rotation, starting from a standing position, passing through a handstand phase with hands touching the ground, and landing back on their feet.

Usage

This word specifically describes a complete gymnastic or acrobatic maneuver. It is used to name the feat itself. * The gymnast finished her routine with a flawless handspring. * Learning a handspring requires good upper body strength and coordination. * His attempt at a handspring on the beach ended with a face full of sand.

Advanced Usage

• "To turn/do a handspring": This is the standard phrase for performing the maneuver.
  • The cheerleader can turn a handspring with ease.
• "Front handspring" / "Back handspring": These are specific variants. A rotates forward, while a rotates backward.
  • The tumbling pass included a round-off followed by two back handsprings.

Variants and Related Words

• Handsprings (plural noun): The plural form, often used with verbs like "do" or "turn."
  • The children were practicing handsprings on the mat.
• Spring (verb/noun): The core action of leaping or jumping, which is a key component of the handspring.
• Flip (noun): A more general term for an acrobatic rotation in the air. A handspring is a type of flip where the hands touch the ground.
• Cartwheel (noun): A related sideways acrobatic move where the body moves like a wheel, with hands and feet touching the ground alternately.

Synonyms

• Acrobatic maneuver/feat: A general term for a skilled gymnastic movement.
• Tumbling pass element: A term used in gymnastics for a component of a floor routine.

Related Phrases

• "To bounce/spring off one's hands": Describes the pushing action in the middle of a handspring.
  • The key to a high handspring is to spring powerfully off your hands.

Noun

1. an acrobatic feat in which a person goes from a standing position to a handstand and back again