Shea on Standing Fulls

Shea Crawford is the Tumbling Director at Midwest Cheer Elite, which has several locations, originating in Ohio.

Prerequisites

Prior to starting to introduce a standing full to an athlete I require the athlete to have an open or no grab standing tuck.  This demonstrates the athlete possesses the height and strength to begin working on a standing full.  The athlete must also (usually) have at least a solid round off back handspring full and/or a two-three back handsprings to full.

Introducing Standing Fulls

I like to work standing one back handspring to full at the same time as standing full.  This helps the feeling of the skill.  Arm placement for standing fulls is crucial so I like to have athletes work on proper arms with jump full turns and jump full turn to tuck position onto a crash mat.

Gaining Confidence

Attempting the standing full on different surfaces such as a trampoline or elevated mats onto a crash mat is a great way to help the athlete gain confidence in any skill including standing full.

Troubleshooting

One of the biggest mistakes I see in standing fulls is underestimating the strength required.  Often times athletes posses the technique required but lack the strength required.  Next would be the dragging of feet behind the skill.  Pushing all the way through toes with strong arms is crucial to having a solid standing full.