Which is a fault in a handstand push-up according to the material?

• A. Forehead touches floor.
• B. Knees extended.
• C. Heels together.
• D. Arms locked out.

Answer: (A)

In a handstand push-up, you want a tight, straight body and a controlled press through the shoulders and arms. Forehead touching the floor is a fault because it shows the movement depth is being achieved by the head making contact with the ground rather than by stable shoulder strength and proper elbow extension. This indicates a breakdown in body line, scapular control, and loading through the arms, which can risk neck strain and reduces efficiency and safety.

The other cues described (knees staying extended, heels kept together, arms fully locked out) align with maintaining a solid line and full range through the press, so they’re not considered faults in this context. If you’re working on this, focus on keeping the ribcage down, a hollow body position, and pressing through the floor with straight arms while the head stays off the floor. Use progressions like wall-assisted handstand holds or pike push-ups to build the controlled depth and shoulder strength.