Tumbling Coaching Tips

Essential to the sport of gymnastics, where it is a discipline in itself, tumbling is also becoming an increasingly common component in cheerleading, dance and even fitness competitions. When coaching tumbling, safety and proper development are of the utmost importance to create a sustainable ability and practice in which the neither the practitioner nor the coach get hurt.

  1. Progressions

    • Map out progressions for the tumbling skills that you are teaching. This includes the foundational strength and flexibility exercises needed to perform each element as well as all the basics required to master the advanced skills. For example, progression for a back handspring might include teaching a handstand, bridge, back bend, two-leg kick over and back walkover, with the accompanying strength and flexibility drills that would allow these skills to be performed: push-ups, handstand push-ups, squat jumps, hollow body holds and rocks, calf raises and bounces, bridges and shoulder stretches.

    Drills, Stations and Coaching Aids

    • Drills should be used to simulate different parts of the skill being taught. For a back handspring these might include toss backs (jumping backward to flat back) on a Port-o-Pit or mat stack for the first half of the handspring, handstand snap-downs for the second half of the skill, and performing the entire motion over an octagonal rolling mat.

      When working with a group of students, set up three to four stations of various drills the students can perform safely on their own. Man one station where you can hands-on spot the skill so the student begins to get the feel for it.

      There are many coaching aids you can use to teach tumbling skills. Trampolines and Tumbl Traks, safety pits, spotting belts and incline mats are just a few options. Hands-on spotting is necessary for teaching skills safely; you can double-spot with a partner for extra caution. Make sure that the drills and aids being used are appropriate to the skill you are teaching and the skill level of the student.

    Putting it Together

    • Typically the goal of learning tumbling skills is to sequence them together for a tumbling pass, such as a round-off to back handspring to back tuck. Spotting is the most important factor in beginning to string tumbling moves together. Tumbl Traks are very useful for putting elements together because they require less work on the part of the student and encourage speed and flow. Tumbling into a ResiPit is also helpful.

      Students should be able to consistently complete each skill in a sequence unaided before connecting them together. Always teach skills on padded surfaces before moving them to harder surfaces such as grass or a basketball court. Make sure that students can competently perform each lead-up skill and drill by themselves before moving on to the more advanced ones.