How to Learn Roundoff
How to Do aRoundoff
A roundoff is a cartwheel that lands with both feet together while facing the opposite direction. It creates power for skills such as back handsprings and connected tumbling passes.
Before You Start
Master a controlled cartwheel first. Warm up your wrists, shoulders, legs, and ankles, and practice on a clear gymnastics mat with supervision.
Step-by-Step Guide
Start in a Lunge
Step forward into a lunge with your non-dominant foot in front and your arms straight beside your ears.
Reach Forward
Swing your arms forward and take a small step or hurdle while keeping your body long and controlled.
Place Your Hands
Place your hands shoulder-width apart, one hand and then the other, just as you would in a cartwheel.
Turn and Snap Together
As your legs pass overhead, rotate your hips and shoulders and bring your legs together quickly.
Snap Down
Pull both legs down quickly toward the floor while pushing strongly through your hands and shoulders.
Land and Rebound
Land on both feet together, lift your chest, reach your arms up, and rebound upward with control.
★ Helpful Tips
- Keep your arms straight.
- Snap your legs together quickly.
- Push strongly through your shoulders.
- Look at your hands on the floor.
- Finish with a tight rebound.
✕ Common Mistakes
- Landing one foot at a time.
- Bending the arms.
- Not snapping the legs together.
- Turning too early.
- Looking away from the hands.
Focus on a fast leg snap and a strong shoulder push.
✓ Practice Safely
- Use a spring floor or gymnastics mat.
- Master your cartwheel first.
- Ask a coach to spot you when needed.
- Stop if you feel wrist, shoulder, or back pain.
Work on clean cartwheels, fast leg snaps, and controlled rebounds. A strong roundoff develops through patient, correct repetition.