Strict Handstand Push-Up

Set-up

• Kick up into a handstand against a wall, hands slightly wider than shoulder width and about a hand’s length from the wall.

How to do it

1. Lower yourself slowly by bending your elbows until your head lightly touches a mat on the floor.
2. Press back up to straight arms without kicking your legs.
3. Keep your body straight against the wall throughout.

Coaching cues

• Form a triangle between your hands and your head at the bottom.
• Squeeze your glutes and stomach to stay rigid.

Common mistakes

• Dropping quickly onto the top of the head.
• Arching the lower back to press up.

Safety

• Build up with pike and box pike push-ups first, and always use a mat under your head.