Handstands

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    A handstand is a very basic skill in gymnastics.  Almost all tricks require a variation of the handstand either moving or stationary.  To preform a handstand the gymnasts body must be in proper position.  A handstand requires one to keep their stomach, shoulders, and hips tight in a straight line. 

       Center of Gravity
   
When preforming a handstand your center of gravity must be directly over ones hands, otherwise they will fall.  Also if a gymnasts back becomes arched he or she will fall because gravity will pull them over.  The reason that handstands can be hard to preform is because it is difficult to keep the center of gravity perpendicular to the ground.

       Newton's Third Law
   
Newton's third law states that for every force there is an equal and opposite force acting on it, so in the case of the handstand, the force that one is exerting on the earth is the exact force pushing back from the earth.  So the handstand is nothing more than a balancing act with the gymnast and the earth. 


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