How to Do Partner Tumbling Stunts

Tumbling is a form of gymnastics that requires no props and also employs light acrobatics. Tumbling can be performed by both men and women on their own, with a partner or as a group. Gymnasts who perform tumbling stunts, especially stunts with a partner, must be athletic, flexible and have a sense of confidence. While they can be difficult to learn at times, stunts performed with a partner can be accomplished with some careful planning and lots of practice.

Things You'll Need

  • Gymnastics mat
  • Tight-fitting and comfortable clothing
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Complete warm-up exercises before performing any stunts. A comprehensive and effective warm-up should consist of cardiovascular exercises like jumping jacks, stretching and flexibility exercises that loosen up all parts of the body and light gymnastic moves such as cartwheels, handstands and back flips. Not only will these warm-up exercises makes you less stiff and help you avoid injury, they will also get your blood pumping and give you energy.

    • 2

      Decide who will be the base and who will be the flyer. The base will be the person who will be on the ground the entire time and who will lift and steady the flyer, or person on top. The base is also in charge of the routine and is the one who gives direction to the flyer. The flier will be the person doing the majority of the tricks and stunts in the air. Both base and flyer should wear comfortable tight-fitting, comfortable clothing that they can easily move around in.

    • 3

      Begin with the basics and gradually advance. Start with the base simply lifting the flyer and putting her back down again. Gradually incorporate additional flairs and tricks like twirling and jumping in mid-air to form more advanced stunts and complete routines. Never perform any tumbling stunts without a gymnastics mat underneath you.

    • 4

      Have your stunts planned out ahead of time and don't perform stunts that you are unfamiliar with. Decide what you and your partner will do before attempting the stunt and exercise caution when practicing a stunt for the first time. Never decide to "just go with it" or make up a stunt as you go along as that will most likely lead to injury.

    • 5

      Perform with the same partner for each stunt. A level of trust and comfort can be built between tumbling partners since they have to rely on each other. After doing several successful stunts, the partners may even start to think and perform in synch with very little preparation.