Coaches Corner

Top 10 ways to improve tumbling

Top 10 ways to improve tumbling

10. Safety first. Make sure you are in a safe environment with certified and experienced instructors with proper equipment.

9 Be realistic. Don’t try to do something you’re not ready for. Make sure you have the basics down before you move on.

8. Set Goals. Allow enough time to learn skills. Sometimes it takes a week, sometimes it takes 4 months. Make sure you leave enough time to go through the progressions. Deciding a week before competition that you need a backhandspring is not realistic.

7. Work on flexibility. Tumbling requires free movement of the spine, legs and arms. Stretch after each session and every day to increase flexibility, especially in the lower back.

6. Work on upper body strength outside of instruction time. (pushups, handstands, handstand snap downs, etc.)

5. Perfection before progression. Don’t move on to advanced tumbling skills until you have mastered the basics. (example: backhandspring to tucks, tucks to layouts, layouts to fulls)

4. Don’t pick up bad habits! Correct them early so they don’t become a problem later on. (like bent legs or arms or looking over your shoulder)

3. Don’t give up. It takes time to learn a new skill. Everyone will progress at a different rate. It is normal to feel nervous throwing yourself back the first few times. Use proper spotting techniques and don’t move on until you’re ready.

2. Learn from your mistakes and accept feedback from your instructors. They are in a position to see things you can’t see and can provide you valuable information to help achieve your goal.

1. Know when to say “when”. Not every one is going to be able to learn to tumble. Work on other aspects of cheering, like dance, jumps and motions.