Teaching Tumbling To Children

Tumbling is an ideal sport to teach children as it helps build muscle control and keeps them active. It teaches them moves that can be easily utilized in other sports such as cheerleading and dancing. Teaching children properly instills the building blocks for them to advance their ability safely with the proper form.

  1. Clothing

    • The proper clothing is essential when teaching a child tumbling, as tumbling requires free-body movement. A leotard or biketard features a special design that is form fitting and allows for a free range of movement. They are available from local gymnastic centers, big box retailers and online gymnastic supply stores. The children can also wear cotton or nylon shorts with a short hem, and a short-sleeve, loose-fitting T-shirt if a leotard is not available.

    Gear

    • Safety is a critical concern when teaching children tumbling, as they have constant contact with the floor surface with various areas of their bodies. A tumbling or gymnastics mat protects them by providing a cushion for contact. It should be firm enough that they have a secure footing, but thick enough to prevent any contact with the hard floor surface below.

    Basics

    • The basics of tumbling will provide a foundation for the children before attempting maneuvers that are more challenging. Start the children out on basic maneuvers such as a summersault, cartwheel and hand stand to get them used to the motions of tumbling. This is also a good way to instill the importance of practice in completing a move successfully and safely to prevent injury. The children will often need a spotter to help them achieve the move and ease their fears of falling. Never allow small children to perform tumbling acts without adult supervision, and encourage them to only attempt them while you are teaching.

    Advanced

    • Teach advanced techniques to children at their own pace to prevent them from getting frustrated at not being able to perform a move. Techniques such as round off, back bends, hand springs and tucks require precise moves and timing to perform successfully or an injury can result. Work through the technique in slow motion several times before allowing the child to attempt it at full speed. It is important to always have a spotter for advanced techniques until the child successfully does the move several times.