If keeping your body parallel with the floor as you move up and down is what makes for a good push up then keeping your body perpendicular with the floor as you move up and down is what makes a good handstand push up.
It’s often tricky to tell (in both instances) if you are keeping your body at a good angle. One solution is to have someone watch you and give you feedback. Another solution is to use a digital camera and film yourself doing a few reps.
A third solution, specifically for handstand push ups is to keep your feet in contact with the wall during the entire movement. With this rule in place, crazy angled/falling reps don’t count. Why not? The same reason flopping (regular) push ups don’t count – the same reason half squats don’t count – the same reason a double under that catches on your shoe doesn’t count – they aren’t the proscribed range of movement.
Know the movement. Practice the movement. Complete the movement. Don’t let the adrenaline of a workout coerce you into bad form.
How Clean is your Handstand?
10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1
Cleans (75% bodyweight)
Handstand Push Ups
10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1
Cleans (75% bodyweight)
Handstand Push Ups
Drag your digital feet over to the whiteboard.