The wall is a great tool for handstand development when used correctly. First, it’s important to understand what is the purpose of a particular wall exercise and what role does the wall play there. Typically we would use the wall for the following:
1. alignment drills where it functions as a reference
2. safety purposes in the absence of a spotter
3. balance drills where the wall helps you stay near the balance point
4. conditioning
1. Alignment drills where the wall functions as a reference
In the first category would be the exercises where the intention is to touch or not to touch the wall with certain body parts. An example would be a chest-to-wall hold with nose and toes touching.
2. The wall as a safety measure
The wall can help where fear is an issue. Fear of falling over is real and can be easily addressed by kicking up against the wall. Remember the intention here is not to touch the wall. The wall is not there to help us but to save us when we fail.
3. Using the wall for balance
For these drills, the wall is really hard to beat. In this category, the wall gives us the support to get close to the balance point and feel and build the control required to stay there. It is absolutely crucial that the balance point is found by realigning the body as opposed to pushing or kicking into the wall! Example of a balance drill would be the chest to wall scissors. You will be tempted to kick into the wall and see what happens but this approach will severely inhibit your progress. A better strategy is to stay on the wall but try to align in such a way that you barely touch it.
4. Wall for conditioning
The wall allows you to stay in a handstand for longer than you’d be able to otherwise or it allows you to do drills that are not achievable free standing. Not much technique required here as the goal is usually to hold for a certain amount of time or perform a certain number of repetitions.