---
title: Wall Handstand Push-Up
seo_title: How to do wall handstand push-ups
skill: do a full wall handstand push-up
tags: [push, balance, shoulders, arms]
image: 26-wall-handstand-push-up.mp4
image_source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxgJS48wf1M
image_credit: Jacked Gymnastics
image_credit_url: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCioG-j_aeZNavmr9Aq1hfkQ
image_title: "Wall Facing Handstand Push up"
image_clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxgJS48wf1M?0:08.80-0:13.80
authors:
- renec112
prerequisite: elevated-pike-push-up
track: reps
published: 2026-04-17
---

The wall handstand push-up is the peak vertical push of bodyweight training. You kick up into a handstand against a wall, lower your head to the floor under control, and press back up. It's basically a full overhead press with 100% of your bodyweight. Few exercises are as satisfying, and few build shoulder strength like this one does.

There are two common versions: *facing away* from the wall (easier to kick up, but you can arch your back to cheat) and *facing toward* the wall with belly on the wall (harder to kick up but enforces a clean, stacked handstand shape). Work toward the belly-to-wall version. It transfers directly to a freestanding handstand [push-up](/calisthenics/push-up) later.

You should already be strong overhead from the [elevated pike push-up](/calisthenics/elevated-pike-push-up) before kicking up against a wall.

## How to do it

Place a pillow or thin mat on the floor where your head will land. Kick up into a handstand against the wall, belly facing the wall if possible. Lock out your arms, squeeze everything, and keep your body in one long line heel-to-hand. Bend your elbows to lower the top of your head to the floor between your hands. Press back up to a full handstand lockout.

## Target

- **Sets:** 3
- **Reps:** 10
- **Rest:** 90 seconds between sets
- **Advance when:** 3×10 with head touching the floor

## Key tips

- When starting out, get a friend to hold your feet, to help a slow descent and pulling you up again. After a few sessions, the friend should apply less and less help as you progress
- Face the wall (belly in) for better form; face away for easier kick-ups while learning
- Lower under control. Don't just drop onto your head
- Keep your core tight and body in one long straight line, don't banana-back
- Place a folded mat, pillow, or pad under your head while learning the range
- Bail safely: cartwheel out if you feel yourself falling, don't collapse onto your head