Today I wanted to address the tripod position of a handstand pushup. While we have gone over this before, based on a few videos I have received lately, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to have a bit of a refresher.
When lowering yourself to the ground, you want to create a perfect tripod position with your shoulders. Emphasis on a vertical forearm is what you want to be focused on. Mechanically, this is the most advantageous. The body should still be tight and connected, even when lowering your knees down to create explosive power. Dropping your knees is not an excuse to lose tension and connectivity. Make sure that your hands are far enough away from the wall that you are able to clear your head while creating your tripod. You don’t want everything in a straight line or you won’t be able to stay balanced. Also, make sure that your hands are wide enough to shorten your range of motion a bit, but still maintaining a position of strength. I have seen some people go to wide, and while they are shortening their range of motion, their shoulders are not as strong and fatigue sets in faster than it should. Here are two pictures of the proper position – one from the front and one from the side:
3X5 Handstand holds lowering down into tripod
3x30sec tripod hold away from the wall if possible
Keep fighting the good fight,
Coach Poppa