THE FRONT-SOMERSAULT PROGRESSION

If the forward roll has been learned correctly, the performer will know many of the fundamentals of the front somersault. Most tumblers can dive and do a front roll without using the arms. It should be easy, then, to spring for height, turn the remaining forty-five degrees of a circle, and land on the feet. It is the mental hazard that keeps most pupils from learning this stunt.

The front roll should be reviewed before this progression is begun. A very fast spin should be stressed now. This is attained by snapping the head down fast and slapping the shins over into a close tuck.

When a performer does a somersault for the first time without having learned the fundamentals, he sees only a blur and has a feeling of helplessness until his feet are on the ground again. A series of assisted somersaults have been designed in which the performer can safely learn the fundamentals of the front somersault and get a feeling of control and a sense of timing as he spins through the air.