111006 - Learning to do gymnastics (almost) without spotting: from the backward roll to back extension roll

Axel Fries

It's hard to believe, but: many, many coaches, as well as an incredible number of judges, don't even know the characteristics of a back extension roll to Handstand. Often times there are discussions at competitions as to whether the element being shown is a correct back extension roll or not. This will be clearified here. And then we take a short excursion into brain research: the way our brains work tells us how to perform a back extension roll to Handstand without one of the children (or participants) even touching it. Only then it will succeed... The only requirement is the right preparation. As a pre-step, we also show the method for the correct backward roll and a backward roll exercise that can be performed by any child (even overweight ones!)