Saving Handstands?

[cindyformayor]

I've seen some videos of gymnasts holding handstands for a long time and they make adjustments to save the handstand from falling. I searched the Internet and they said that if it's falling forward, you push through your fingers and if you start falling backwards, you push through your wrist.

I've pretty much mastered the falling forward one, but I tried pushing through my wrist and I can't really get it to work.

I was wondering if anyone who knows how to save a handstand that's falling backwards can word it differently or tell me how they do it?

Thank you!

 

[ryantroop]

The only real way to do it is to bend your elbows. It is not good form, but it works. If you are exceptionally strong, you can "planche" it down a bit and come back using your shoulders.. but there aren't a whole lot of people who do that well.

 

[gymdog]

I was going to say I bend my arms and "rock" back when I'm falling forwards (the way my stomach is facing). I don't know how to teach or learn this except to do a lot of handstands and pressing.