My daughter is 5 and she cheers competitively and she has been working hard this year and she is working on back handsprings! She got the form like she can do it; but there ugly!! When she jumps she jumps off her right leg and not both so her right comes up and starts to go then the left follows!! Which causes them to be slow becuase she is only using power from one leg! No matter how many times I tell her she doesn't do it; she replies and says she can't because it just don't work. I've recorded them for her then slowed the video down so she could see it.. Then she started crying saying she wants to do it right and can't! I've tried to tie her shoe laces together then she doesn't jump at all and lands on her head!! When she lands she lands feet together so it's just the jumping together that doesn't work; it looks like a jumping back walkover! any ideas?

When my kids have this problem, I usually have them hold something between their feet. They have to do the whole skill holding something between their feet. It's not as dangerous as tying their legs together because the worst thing that could happen is they drop the object. Is her right leg stronger? Has she ever had an injury? That's usually why kids favor one leg over the other. It could also be that she learned a back walk over first and she's having trouble separating the skills in her mind. Try having her hold a pillow or something between her feet and see if that helps.

If your gym has a foam pit take a foam block and have her hold that between her legs. If not a small decorative pillow could also work. Also remember that she's only 5, so try not to let her get to upset over it. Obviously you don't want her to get hurt but if the main problem is that its ugly, that can be worked on in a positive manner. Also who is teaching her? Are you her coach? Perhaps stepping away from that role and just being a mom and letting others teach her might be better.

There is no rush- she is only 5. I wouldn't make it frustrating and push her too hard now. Give her some time to relax and leave it up to the coaches.

have her hold something between her legs and jump back on a big porta pit. Or have her get spotted with something between her logs so she gets the feeling of pushing off both feet. Reps reps reps!

First off, she needs more than mom telling her what's wrong. You could be Nastia Lukin and your daughter still would not listen to you! Kids are like that!!

I've taught gymnastics for 12 years and found that, among some normal exercises to stregthen bhs, I do my own thing. First, remember she's just 5! Then, tape or wrap her legs together so that she can bend knees but not be able to open her knees or ankles. She will still need spotted on these!!

Next, make sure she is doing a nice "banana jump" (arching her back in the air. Make sure it's stretched out properly.

Her psoas is the muscle that "snaps" the legs over. It's a small muscle and takes time to build the strength to whip the legs over. Have her lay on the floor on her back hands holding a sturdy dining room table leg or couch leg. Leg lifts (legs together). Keep butt on the floor. do rep of 20. Do NOT overwork these. The psoas is a tiny muscle and can become inflamed from overuse!