How to Do a Dive Roll

Introduction

Should you ever need to jump out of an exploding building or leap from roof top to roof top, a dive roll is your best bet for surviving. A dive roll is unique because it can be performed just about anywhere but rarely is it necessary. Still, it looks cool and it's a great trick to know for tumbling or stunts.

By: Soren

Length: 0:12

Comments: 0

View more articles by this author

Flag | RSS

(12)

Add to Favorites

URL:
Embed:

Instructions

Text Size: – +

Print Article

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Tips & Warnings:

Try the dive roll slowly at first until you are comfortable with the feel. You can even place your hands on the ground while you are still standing and just try the roll.
The farther you dive, the more forward momentum you'll have to deal with so be sure you have plenty of room to roll forward.
Jumping from a distance higher than the ground into a dive roll is not recommended. Doing so can cause sprained wrists.
Never let your feet get ahead of the rest of your body during the roll. If the feet move forward too quickly, it means your back isn't curved and you will fall flat.
Never dive roll in an area that isn't padded or extremely soft, even with the roll it is still hard on your body.
Know your limitations, and use common sense. If you're not sure whether you can dive over something, don't try it.
Always protect your head during the roll; the contact to the ground should always be with the shoulder instead of the head.

Step1

These directions are designed for a right handed person. If you are left handed, just switch the hands in each direction.

Pick the mark with your eyes where you would like your hands to land. Make sure there is enough space behind the mark for your body to roll out.

Step2

On the first attempt, walk toward the mark and dive, hands first, placing your left hand on the mark with the fingers pointed forward. This hand will cushion some of the weight but it is primarily there to stabilize.

Step3

Follow through with your right hand turned sideways with the thumb facing you, as though you were starting a cartwheel.

Step4

Turn your head toward your left shoulder to avoid hitting it on the ground. Unlike a summersault, at no point should your head touch the ground in a dive roll.

Step5

Think of your right arm as the bottom of a rocking chair. Drop your elbow to the ground, followed by the shoulder while supporting yourself with the left hand.

Step6

Keep your back rounded to finish out the roll.

Step7

Bring your right foot down on the ground while allowing the left leg to drop beneath the right knee,

Step8

Use the forward momentum to roll over the left leg, up onto the right foot until you are back in a standing position.