How to Do Forward and Backward Rolls in Gymnastics
Gymnastics requires agility for its many different moves, which makes it a perfect sport for children. Starting as early as preschool, children begin learning gymnastics with two basic moves: the forward roll and the backward roll. Follow these steps to learn more about forward and backward rolls.
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Instructions
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1
Find a soft surface like a tumbling mat with work on. Most people find it easiest to start with the forward rolls.
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2
Squat down to the ground with your knees together and balance on the balls of your feet. Placing your hands flat on the mat on either side of you can further help with balance.
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3
Tuck your head in toward your chest and knees. Round your back.
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Place your hands on the mat in front of you. Push off with your feet as you fall forward, keeping your body in its rounded position. Using your momentum, come back up to the squat position.
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Start in a similar squat position for the backward roll. Repeat Step 2.
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Roll backward as you maintain your rounded position. One difference will be that your hands that are on either side of your head will have the palms facing upward.
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Put your palms flat against the mat as your head touches the mat. Push against the mat as you go with the momentum of rolling backwards. Once your feet go over your head, you should land on the mat again in a squatting position.
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Tips & Warnings
Once you master the forward and backward rolls, you might want to try the variant rolls that include straddle rolls, pike rolls and a dive roll.
The most important things in either roll are keeping your body in a tucked in a ball position and using your hands to support you.
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Comments
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PE dey beeee k3k3.
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cd12117
Mar 02, 2008
When you do a backward roll, make sure you use your hands to push off the ground, not your head. Pushing off your head makes for a hurt neck. The reason people veer off to the side when they roll backward is because they push off with one hand and not the other. Make sure you push with both! Also, I've found it is easier to do when you start standing straight up, hands up by your ears. Bend down (as if to sit on the ground) and bend your elbows so that your palms are facing the ceiling by your ears, and roll backward. Make sure you end up standing straight up! -
cd12117
Mar 02, 2008
When you do a backward roll, make sure you use your hands to push off the ground, not your head. Pushing off your head makes for a hurt neck. The reason people veer off to the side when they roll backward is because they push off with one hand and not the other. Make sure you push with both! Also, I've found it is easier to do when you start standing straight up, hands up by your ears. Bend down (as if to sit on the ground) and bend your elbows so that your palms are facing the ceiling by your ears, and roll backward. Make sure you end up standing straight up!
