The next step in learning how to do handstands freely is to practice them near a wall, but facing the other way. You'll need to practice kicking up, so start with "dinosaur kicks," where you lever (think: single-leg deadlift) into a handstand that doesn't go fully to vertical, Gray explains. "Practice different ways to bail and fall so that fear of overkicking or side bending doesn't scare you," she says.
When you're kicking up in front of a wall, "it's important that you don't overly rely on the wall by leaning the majority of your weight and legs into the wall, but instead use it as a tool to build trust in yourself and your capabilities," Fobbs adds. Here's how.
- Start standing facing a wall.
- Step forward with one leg, and bend it to place your hands on the floor about six inches away from the wall. As you're doing that, allow your other leg to kick up behind you. Eventually, bring your front leg up to vertical, too.
- Try to find your balance without leaning on the wall but gently tapping it with your heels if necessary.
- Hold this position for as long as you can, remembering to breathe. To come down, reverse the kick-up motion, stepping down one foot at a time.
