Somersault

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Lauren Mitchell, 41st AG World Championship, 2009 (full tone blur)

Somersault is a gymnastics move that involves a full 360-degree flip of the body, moving forwards, backwards, or sideways, and landing on the feet. It is a fundamental skill in many physical disciplines, including gymnastics, acrobatics, and freerunning. The somersault can be performed on the ground or in the air, with variations such as the back somersault and the front somersault being among the most common.

Types of Somersaults

There are several types of somersaults, each with its own techniques and degrees of difficulty:

• Front Somersault: Performed by jumping forwards and tucking the knees into the chest to rotate forwards before landing on the feet.
• Back Somersault: Similar to the front somersault but performed in the reverse direction, with the gymnast jumping backwards.
• Side Somersault: A less common variation where the gymnast rotates sideways around the body's longitudinal axis.
• Aerial Somersault: A more advanced form that involves performing the somersault without the hands touching the ground. This can be done forwards, backwards, or sideways.

Technique

The technique for performing a somersault involves several key steps:

1. Preparation: The gymnast must gain momentum, usually by running or performing a preliminary jump. 2. Takeoff: The gymnast then uses a springboard, the floor, or another apparatus to launch into the air. 3. Rotation: While in the air, the gymnast tucks the body, pulling the knees into the chest to facilitate rotation. The tighter the tuck, the faster the rotation. 4. Landing: The gymnast must time the opening of the tuck to land safely on the feet, absorbing the impact with bent knees.

Training and Safety

Training for somersaults requires a progressive approach, starting with basic rolls and gradually moving to more complex flips. Safety is paramount, and gymnasts often use mats, foam pits, and spotters to reduce the risk of injury. Mastery of the somersault is essential for competitive gymnasts, as it forms the basis for more complex aerial maneuvers.

In Popular Culture

Somersaults are not only a staple in gymnastics and acrobatics but also feature prominently in martial arts, dance, and action films. They are often used to demonstrate agility and control, adding a dynamic visual element to performances and fight choreography.

See Also

• Gymnastics
• Acrobatics
• Freerunning
• Martial arts