Source: About.com

Learning a centre split is just as important as a front split to your gymnastics. You’ll use a centre split in straddle jumps, side leaps, press to handstands, stalders, flairs on pommel horse, and scales. Here’s how to get a great centre split, with stretches for all the different muscles you’ll use.

Butterfly Stretch

• From a seated position, touch your feet together and slowly bring your knees apart.
• Move your heels in towards your body as much as possible, while at the same time pushing your knees gently down toward the floor.
• Maintain good posture by keeping your back straight up and down.
• To increase the stretch, lean your body forward as far as you can, keeping you back straight and reaching beyond your feet.
• Hold this stretch for 30-60 seconds at a time.

Pancake Stretch

• From a seated position, straddle your legs as wide as is comfortable.
• Keep your legs straight and your toes pointed.
• Lean forward as far as you can, keeping your back straight and stretching outward as much as possible.
• Hold this stretch for 30-60 seconds at a time.

Beginner Center Split: Both Knees Bent

• Start in a kneeling position, with your hands on the floor.
• Move your knees out as far as possible from your body, forming a straight line from one knee to the other.
• Keep your knees bent at a 90 degree angle, and shift your weight from your hands to your elbows.
• Gently continue to move your knees out, moving your body as close to the ground as possible.
• Your goal: For your hips to be completely flat, or on the ground.
• Hold this stretch for 30-60 seconds.

Beginner Center Split: One Knee Bent

Once you feel comfortable doing the previous stretch with both legs bent, try it with only one leg bent.

• Your body should form a straight line from the bent knee to the toe of the straight leg.
• Point your toes – it will help you to practice good form now in your stretching.
• Switch which leg is straight. Do each side for 30-60 seconds.

Full Center Split

Now try the same stretch with both legs straight.

• Be sure your body is perpendicular to your legs – you don’t want your hips to be far back or leaning forward.
• Keep your knees straight and toes pointed.
• Have a friend gently push on your legs to help you get closer to the ground.
• If you’re really flexible, try an oversplit with your leg up on a mat, or even on a friend!

 Sit Up in Your Split

If you can do a full split on the ground leaning forward, it’s time to try it in a seated position. This will help you learn how to roll your hips up as you would in a straddle jump.

Have fun!