How to Parkour Roll

A basic roll is one of the most fundamental moves in parkour (the art of displacement). It's often used in landings, absorbing the impact of the fall and making it essential for practicing proper safety precautions. A roll is also one of the first maneuvers you should learn when you first take up the practice of parkour.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Comfortable, light clothing
• Light shoes (optional)

1. Climb to a modest height (no more than 1 or 2 feet off the ground if you're just beginning). A roll is usually the finish move of a jump or a leap, which means you must start with a safe and careful jump downward.
2. Keep your knees slightly bent and relaxed as you jump. If they are rigid, then the shock from the blow will travel into your body and possibly cause injury. Keeping the knees loose will allow you to perform the roll safely.
3. Land on your feet and bend your knees as you do so. This will further help to minimize the impact of the fall and disperse the energy safely.
4. Lean forward as you land and fall forward towards your right shoulder. (If you are left-handed, you may be more inclined to roll towards your left shoulder, which is fine.)
5. Place your hands to one side of your head as you hit the ground. This will minimize the impact to your head and protect your face.
6. Roll over on your shoulder, taking care not to roll on your neck or head. The shoulder should be in contact with the ground as you roll over, since it has the strength to withstand it. Rolling over on your head or neck, on the other hand, can cause injury.
7. Complete the roll. The momentum should carry you all the way over and back up with one foot on the ground and one knee on the ground.
8. Rise up from the move and continue forward. Once you are skilled at the roll, you should be able to rise without losing momentum and move on to another parkour maneuver.
9. Practice the roll from increasing heights, taking care not to risk anything which is beyond your skill to handle.

Tips & Warnings

• Comfortable clothing is a key part of parkour and can help you to execute a roll well. Many traceurs (practitioners of parkour) don't even wear shoes, and those who do make sure that they are light and flexible.
• Look for soft places to practice your rolls early on. Indoor gym mats are good for cushioning the blow, while parks with sand or soft-packed dirt make decent outdoor sites. As you improve, you can practice rolling on more unyielding surfaces.