Roundoff

File:Backhandspring.ogv Roundoff

The roundoff is a gymnastic technique and a foundational skill in gymnastics, serving as a critical element in tumbling passes, vaults, and floor exercises. It is a move that combines the momentum of a cartwheel with a half-turn, allowing the gymnast to land facing the opposite direction from which they started. This maneuver is essential for transitioning into more complex acrobatic skills, such as back handsprings and back tucks.

Technique

The execution of a roundoff begins with a strong run to gain momentum. The gymnast then performs a hurdle, a leap off one foot, to initiate the cartwheel motion. As the hands come down to the floor, the gymnast turns their wrists so that the fingers point towards each other, facilitating the half-turn. The legs join together in the air, and the gymnast snaps their feet down to the ground, landing with both feet simultaneously. The roundoff is completed with the gymnast facing the direction opposite to the start, ideally in a position to immediately spring into the next skill.

Key Points for Execution

• Approach: A powerful run and a dynamic hurdle are essential for generating the necessary momentum.
• Hand Placement: Hands should be placed on the ground one after the other, not simultaneously, with fingers pointing towards each other to aid the turn.
• Leg Action: Legs should snap together quickly in the air to ensure a solid landing.
• Landing: The gymnast should land on both feet at the same time, with knees slightly bent to absorb the impact.

Applications in Gymnastics

The roundoff is a versatile skill used across various gymnastic disciplines:

• In Artistic Gymnastics, it is often seen in floor routines and as part of the run-up in vaulting.
• In Tumbling, roundoffs are used to generate speed and power, leading into series of back handsprings or somersaults.
• In Cheerleading, roundoffs are foundational for tumbling sequences performed on the floor.

Training and Safety

Learning a roundoff requires practice and should be done under the guidance of a qualified coach. Proper matting and spotting are crucial to prevent injuries. Gymnasts must focus on technique, including hand placement and body alignment, to execute a safe and effective roundoff.

See Also

• Cartwheel (gymnastics)
• Back Handspring
• Vault (gymnastics)
• Tumbling (gymnastics)