How to Do a Pullover Move in Preschool Gymnastics
The pullover stunt in gymnastics, performed on a bar, is a required fundamental skill. Momentum, technique and strength are all employed when executing a pullover and special considerations will make it easier for a preschooler to master the stunt.
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Instructions
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Practice strict gymnastic safety procedures. A child's hand must be big enough to grasp the bar and hold her weight without falling before she can learn bar skills. Require the preschool gymnast to hang on the bar for 15 seconds before you teach other bar stunts.
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Lower the bar or stack mats underneath so the child can reach the bar without you having to lift her. The normal bar height for teaching the pullover is 1 to 2 inches above the gymnast's head but a preschooler will find a chest-height bar easier.
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Tell the preschool gymnast to kick her legs up and pull with her arms at the same time. Small children will naturally arch their heads backwards, thinking it will tip them in the correct position. Instead, encourage them to keep their head forward and pull their chest towards the bar.
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Help the child pull her legs over the bar, allowing her to rest with the bar at hip level. Lift her occasionally but encourage her to pull her own body weight in order to build strength.
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Spot a pullover by standing on the opposite side of the bar from the child. Stand to the side and with the arm closest to the bar, grab her wrist. This will allow you to break her fall should she slip. With your other hand, grab the back of her leg as she kicks up and bring it over the bar.
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Teach the preschooler to hold her body erect on the bar when she completes a pullover. Her arms should be straight and her chest held high. She should not slump and the bar should be at hip level. Her legs should be together, straight and toes pointed.
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Tips & Warnings
Always spot preschoolers when teaching any gymnastic stunts.
