Forward Roll


Start in a squat position with hands in front. Tuck your head to your knees and chin to your chest. Raise your bottom. Start to roll. The back of your head or the top part of your shoulders are the only parts that touch the mat. Stay in a ball. End in the same position you start.

Click here to view an mpeg of a forward roll

Cues:
Squat down, chin on your chest, raise your bottom and roll.
Finish like you started in a squat position.

Problem Areas:
Not staying in a ball
Putting or driving their head into the mat
Rolling off to the side
Knees coming away from the chest while coming up from the roll

Tips:
Keep their head on their knees from start to finish.
Have them look back through their legs at the person behind them or hold your hand behind them to look at.
Use an incline or a wedge mat to help them stay in a ball and get up.
Use the hands to give a little extra push when coming up.

Spotting:
Place your hand on the back of the head to cushion the roll.
Help by guiding their hips as they are rolling.

Some variations:
Forward roll to pike or a straddle sit
Forward roll to a straddle stand
Front scale to forward roll
Forward kneeling roll
Forward pike roll


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