Dear Natalie, I have been practicing Handstands for one year. My default posture tends towards an S-shape or the "typical archer" stance - meaning my hips are often pulled back and my shoulders are rounded forward. I struggle a lot with internal rotation, but I have managed to improve this area substantially compared to when I started. I am now approaching the Press Handstand, and it is proving incredibly difficult. The main issue is my inability to maintain scapular depression. As soon as I try to shift my weight forward and initiate the movement, my scapulae (shoulder blades) move anteriorly (they round or move forward) instead of remaining firmly depressed. I have a major fear of leaning my body too far forward, and this psychological barrier causes me to "punch" (or kick/jump) the movement instead of pressing smoothly, which makes the lift impossible.I cannot maintain the necessary body position (hollow/straight line) while simultaneously keeping my scapulae depressed. What am I doing wrong structurally that prevents me from depressing my scapulae while leaning forward?
What specific drills should I do to strengthen my scapulae and improve my pushing/pressing endurance? It feels as if my pressing strength is simply insufficient. I have tried wall drills (where I push my hips towards the wall, pressing through my hands to lift my body), and it feels impossible. It seems as though my shoulder blades are not rotating or stabilizing in the proper direction required for the press. Please help me diagnose this issue and recommend specific strengthening exercises
