How to Teach a Child a Pike Roll

Tumbling is a fun activity for parents and children. Once your child has learned how to do a forward roll, he is ready to move on to a pike roll. Follow these steps to teach this tumbling pass.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tumbling mats

1. Have your child stand in an upright position with hands straight up into the air. This should be the beginning position for any tumbling pass. His feet should be together.
2. Bend her over, and place her hands just in front of her feet. Make sure that her feet are still together and her legs are straight. She should be looking at the floor.
3. Lower his head to the floor, and tell your child to tuck his chin into his chest. His chin should remain tucked throughout the pike roll. If he has trouble doing this, tell him to watch his belly button while he rolls. You can even put a sticker on his belly button to make it more fun.
4. Roll his head until the back of his neck is touching the floor. He will go up on his tippy-toes as his head rolls.
5. Instruct him to push off with his feet, and roll over. He should stay in the pike position while he rolls.
6. Lift her torso from the ground and move her hands to either side of her legs. Her knees should remain straight while she lifts her torso.
7. Raise her hands over her head to salute in a sitting pike position.

Tips & Warnings

• Children should tumble on mats to reduce the likelihood of injury.
• Always supervise your children whenever they attempt a new tumbling pass.