How to Teach a Child to do a Roundoff

A roundoff, like a cartwheel, is a simple tumble that children can do that can be used in more complex routines for advanced gymnasts. It doesn't require much space and can be practiced on a flat, grassy area, carpet or gym mats.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make sure the child can do both a cartwheel and a handstand. These do not need to be perfect, but you want to make sure that the child has the arm strength and coordination to master a roundoff.

2. Have the child start in a lunge with their non-dominant leg leading. A right handed child would have their left leg forward and a left handed child would have their right leg forward.

3. Model that her hands and arms need to be stretched straight into the air and when she pushes herself over, her hands should be positioned just as though she were doing a cartwheel.

4. Explain that once both his legs are in the air, he will need to snap them together and pivot his body as he lands. A roundoff landing has the gymnast facing the direction he came from with his feet together, standing straight with his arms in the air.

5. Spot the child during her attempts at a roundoff. This is done standing beside her when she has her legs in the air.

6. Allow him to practice his roundoffs as well as cartwheels and handstands a bit everyday.

Tips & Warnings

• Use mats, if they are available, to help the child become more comfortable with their body positioning and develop the strength to get their torso upright. The child should place their hands on the mats as they kick over.
• Pointing toes and straight arms not only look nice, but can create a better flow to the body in tumbling.

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