Learning a back handspring safely requires the right equipment. Whether you’re a beginner gymnast, cheerleader, or training at home, a quality back handspring mat can dramatically improve confidence, safety, and skill progression.
A good gymnastics back handspring mat provides cushioning, support, and sometimes a slight incline to help athletes rotate properly and land safely. Coaches often use wedge mats, octagon trainers, and inflatable air tracks to help gymnasts build strength and technique before performing the skill on a hard floor.
In this guide, we’ll review the best back handspring trainer mats available on Amazon, including wedge mats, octagon trainers, and air mats that are perfect for practicing a back handspring at home.
⭐ Top Picks Comparison
| Product | Type | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z Athletic Gymnastics Junior Incline Cheese Wedge Mat | Wedge (Cheese) Mat | Learning back handsprings & walkovers | $$ |
| Kangaroo Hoppers Incline Gymnastics Mat | Folding Wedge Mat | Kids learning handsprings | $$ |
| Z Athletic Octagon Tumbling Mat | Octagon Trainer | Beginner handspring drills | $$ |
| VEVOR Gymnastics Air Mat | Air Track | Full tumbling passes | $$–$$$ |
| Matladin Tumbling Incline Mat | Wedge Mat | Budget back handspring trainer | $ |
Best Gymnastics Back Handspring Mat Reviews
1. Z Athletic Gymnastics Junior Incline Cheese Wedge Mat
Best Overall Back Handspring Mat
If you want the classic gymnastics back handspring trainer, a wedge mat (also called a cheese mat) is the gold standard.
Why it’s great:
- Ideal incline helps gymnasts rotate through a back handspring
- High-density foam absorbs impact
- Durable vinyl cover that wipes clean
- Strong handles for easy moving
Coaches frequently teach back handsprings on incline mats because the slope helps guide the body into proper rotation and technique.
👉 Best for: Beginners learning back handsprings, kickovers, and walkovers.
2. Kangaroo Hoppers Incline Gymnastics Mat
Best Folding Back Handspring Trainer
This versatile back handspring mat folds into a cube, making it extremely useful for home gymnastics setups.
Key features
- Converts from wedge to block
- High-density supportive foam
- Strong carry handles
- Great for handsprings, walkovers, and handstands
The incline shape helps beginners develop momentum and body positioning when learning tumbling skills.
👉 Best for: Home gymnastics practice and younger athletes.
3. Z Athletic Octagon Tumbling Mat
Best Back Handspring Trainer for Beginners
Octagon mats are commonly used in gymnastics gyms for learning the back handspring motion safely.
Why coaches love octagon mats
- Helps gymnasts roll through the skill
- Builds confidence with rotation
- Supports core strength development
- Durable foam with vinyl cover
Most gymnasts begin learning the back handspring by rolling over an octagon trainer before transitioning to incline mats or floor drills.
👉 Best for: Beginners who are just starting to learn the back handspring.
4. VEVOR Gymnastics Air Mat
Best Air Track for Back Handspring Practice
Air mats are extremely popular for home gymnastics and tumbling training.
Benefits
- Adjustable bounce depending on air pressure
- Large tumbling surface
- Great for linking multiple skills
- Easy to store after deflating
Air tracks provide a cushioned, slightly springy surface that is safer than practicing on hard floors and helps gymnasts build confidence with flips and handsprings.
👉 Best for: Intermediate gymnasts practicing running tumbling and handspring series.
5. Matladin Tumbling Incline Mat
Best Budget Back Handspring Mat
If you’re looking for an affordable back handspring training mat, this wedge mat is a great value option.
Highlights
- Lightweight and portable
- Durable PU leather covering
- High-density foam padding
- Folding design for storage
Despite its lower price, it still provides the essential incline needed to practice handsprings, walkovers, and tumbling drills safely.
👉 Best for: Budget home gymnastics setups.
How We Chose the Best Back Handspring Mats
To determine the best gymnastics back handspring mats, we evaluated:
1️⃣ Safety and Cushioning
Back handsprings involve impact and rotation, so we prioritized mats with high-density foam or inflatable cushioning.
2️⃣ Training Effectiveness
The best back handspring trainers help athletes progress safely from beginner drills to full skills.
The most common types include:
- Octagon mats (beginner drills)
- Wedge mats / cheese mats (skill progression)
- Air tracks (advanced tumbling)
These tools help athletes develop proper technique before performing handsprings on the floor.
3️⃣ Durability
We focused on mats with:
- Vinyl covers
- Reinforced stitching
- Dense foam interiors
4️⃣ Home Gym Suitability
The mats we selected are portable, foldable, and ideal for home gymnastics setups.
FAQ: Back Handspring Mats
What is the best mat for learning a back handspring?
The best back handspring mat depends on skill level:
- Beginners → Octagon mat
- Intermediate → Wedge (cheese) mat
- Advanced → Air track or tumbling mat
Many gymnasts progress through all three as they develop the skill.
Can you learn a back handspring at home?
Yes, but it’s safest with:
- A coach or spotter
- A gymnastics back handspring trainer
- Proper mats to absorb impact
Never practice on hard floors without padding.
What size back handspring mat should I buy?
Typical recommendations:
- Octagon trainer: 24–30 inches
- Wedge mat: 4–6 feet long
- Air track: 10–16 feet
Longer mats allow multiple skills or running tumbling passes.
Are air mats good for back handsprings?
Yes. Air tracks provide a slightly bouncy surface similar to gymnastics floors while offering extra cushioning for safer landings.
What equipment helps with back handsprings?
Common back handspring trainers include:
- Octagon tumbling mats
- Wedge (cheese) mats
- Air tracks
- Spotting blocks
Each helps build technique, confidence, and strength.
✅ Pro Tip: If you’re building a home gymnastics setup, the best combination is:
- Octagon trainer
- Wedge mat
- Air track
That setup lets gymnasts safely progress from beginner drills to full tumbling passes.
Many gymnasts also practice tumbling drills on a trampoline. See our guide to the best 10ft trampoline for a small backyard.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before following any of the exercises from this article and website. To avoid any problems while doing the exercises, it is advised that you consult a medical professional and are supervised by a gymnastics professional. The responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writers.This post can may contain affiliate links meaning if you buy something we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.