Handstand Exam Level 1

Thank you for training handstands at my class. As you know I like to create a non-competitive atmosphere for learning. However, I also like to use the aspect of competition selectively as a tool for self-enhancement for fitness or for preparation if your goal is professional performance. Below is the evaluation criteria that I will use, if you would like to evaluated during your exam. You are also welcome to simply take the exam without an evaluation for your own personal goals. -Alvin

Here is the 10 minute exam:

Date and Time

Saturday, March 27, 1:15pm – 2:15pm, during regular class hours. The exam is optional; a regular handstand class will run at the same time as the exam.

Technical

1. Hold a handstand against the wall: 60 seconds (2 attempts)
2. Hold a handstand straight legs unassisted, 2 walks allowed: 10 seconds (2 attempts)
3. Mount into handstand tuck position, 1 walk allowed, hold 5 seconds, descend in tuck (2 attempts)
4. Mount into handstand straddle position, 1 walk allowed, hold 5 seconds, descend in tuck (2 attempts)
5. Walk on hands forward assisted 20 feet
6. Walk on hands backward assisted 10 feet
7. Walk on hands forward unassisted 10 feet (2 attempts)
8. Hold L-sit on chair or floor, cross legged, 10 seconds
9. Frog push up to handstand, 3 times assisted
10. Handstand, forward roll on mat, unassisted (2 attempts)

Creative

Create a short 30-60 second routine, using music, incorporating any 3 of the above elements. Performance will be evaluated on creativity, artistic expression, uniqueness, and technical execution.

Spotting

1. Spot a student’s handstand for 10 seconds
2. Spot a student’s frog push up handstand
3. Spot a student’s handstand forward roll

Instructor Practical Evaluation Guide

Your skills will be tested based on the following criterion:

1. Execution of Movements 25%
2. Spotting 25%
3. Professionalism 25%
4. Creativity 25%

Below is the evaluation guide for the final Instructor Practical, based on 4 points per category. Total maximum points is 16: qualification grade is 12 points, or 75%.

Execution of Movements

4 Points: Clearly at ease physically with all movements. Able to perform movements on first attempt. Able to execute movements with grace and creativity. Excellent physical stamina; not out of breath.
3 Points: Fairly at ease with movements, can perform movements by second attempt, good physical stamina.
2 Points: Has difficulty with movements, needs several attempts (more than two) to execute movements. Is winded after training.
1 Point: Unable to execute movements. Unable to perform movements without instructor aid.

Spotting

4 Points: Clearly at ease with spotting students up to his or her own body weight. Safe techniques, firm grasp on spotting. Able to evaluate student competency quickly and adjust.
3 Points: Fairly at ease with spotting students up to his or her own body weight. Good spotting techniques, above average grasp on spotting. Takes some time to evaluate student competency.
2 Points: Has difficulty with spotting. Unable to ascertain student rapidly.
1 Point: Unable to spot and is not able to evaluate another person’s physical ability.

Professionalism

4 Points: Presents solid execution of movements, poised and confident, recovers quickly from errors.
3 Points: Presents fairly solid execution of movements, shows confidence, recovers from movements with some delay.
2 Points: Has difficulty with execution of movements, unsure of presentation, does not recover from errors.
1 Point: Unable to execute movements, lacks confidence, does not recover from errors and abandons movement.

Creativity

4 Points: Able to invent new movements or sequences quickly on the spot. Can find creative, effective solutions and routines, and modify, adapt the routine and movements spontaneously.
3 Points: Able to create new movements after some consideration. Can find interesting solutions. Able to modify, adapt the routine and movements with some consideration.
2 Points: Has difficulty coming up with creative solutions or routines.  Lacks creativity in forming new sequences.
1 Point: Unable to create new solutions. Lacks creativity in formulating routines or movements.