How to Press to Handstand

This move is known by different names (press, lift, lever) but the name which makes most sense is "deadlift", because we are lifting our bodyweight from a dead start with no momentum or jumping. For this tutorial, we're working with a Straddle Deadlift from Standing. Main components: 1. Good forward fold flexibility (and side splits, so the legs can lift sideways, further reducing the need to lean forward into the shoulders). 2. Shoulder (front delt) strength to resist the bodyweight as you lean forward. 3. Handstand balance once your feet leave the floor. Principles: 1. The better your forward fold, the less shoulder strength you will need. 2. The more shoulder strength you've got, the less forward fold you will need. 3. If you've got enough of both, there will be a sweet spot where your centre of gravity goes over your hands, your shoulders can resist your bodyweight, and you will lift. 4. The more strength and flexibility you've got, the easier this will be. Tips: 1. Practise lifting your legs in a headstand so you become familiar with the movement. 2. Do some shoulder strength conditioning where you pulse forwards and backwards in a regular plank or wall plank. 3. Significant hip, hamstring, and splits stretching will make the deadlift much easier. 4. Raise your feet up higher on to blocks, chairs, or an inflatable ball. 5. Put a crash mat in front of you to stay safe — a wall isn't ideal since your head needs to go forward initially. 6. Get a friend to spot you by putting their knees into your shoulders to block you from going too far forward. Leg length, torso length, and bodyweight all play a part too — everybody's proportions make this move feel slightly different, so be patient with your own progress.