How to Do Tuck Jumps for Beginner Gymnastics

One of the most important body positions in gymnastics is the tuck. When you watch Olympic gymnasts performing double back flips in the air, their body is in a tuck position. Beginner gymnasts must learn how to jump and tuck at the same time, perfecting the technique for later stunts and building their quadriceps muscles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by standing on the tumbling mat. It's important to practice gymnastic moves on a safe surface, preferably a spring floor. Small children may practice on a padded carpet or other mats.

2. Instruct the child to jump as high as possible while tucking her legs up to her chest. Most children will naturally tuck their legs behind them, kicking themselves in the rump. This is incorrect. The knees should touch the chest in front.

3. Teach the child to keep her upper body vertical when jumping. The gymnast may try to compensate in the tuck jump position by lowering her head and torso to meet her knees. Advise her to bring her knees up instead. Allowing her to bend forward will create a bad habit that will be difficult to break when she progresses to tumbling skills.

4. Practice the tuck jump on the trampoline. A gymnast can perfect the correct tuck position on the trampoline before her muscles will allow her to do it on the floor. Even a small aerobic trampoline will help.

Tips & Warnings

• Always demonstrate the correct body position when teaching gymnastic stunts. A gymnast may not understand the significance at the time but it will allow her to progress quickly to more difficult stunts.

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