Roundoff Back Handspring

The gateway to power tumbling.

🔍 Why This Connection Matters

The roundoff back handspring is a staple tumbling pass for athletes from Level 2 all the way through elite-level skills. It teaches athletes how to convert horizontal power into vertical lift — while maintaining direction, speed, and control.

It’s also the foundation for:

• Back tucks

• Layouts

• Fulls and beyond

A weak roundoff connection limits all tumbling that follows.

🧠 The Formula for Success

Clean execution requires:

• Strong roundoff direction and snapdown

• Hollow shaping and backward lean

• Timed arm swing and explosive push

• Consistent landing position from the roundoff

If the roundoff is crooked or the body is arched, the BHS will break down.

✅ Technique Checklist

1. Strong Entry Roundoff

   • Arms tight by ears

   • Lunge with control

   • Aggressive push through the floor

   • Snap legs down in hollow body

2. Immediate Backward Drive

   • No pause after landing

   • Swing arms back fast

   • Sit slightly into the jump

   • Eyes stay forward, body stays tight

3. Connected BHS Execution

   • Jump back and up

   • Reach for the floor with shoulders open

   • Maintain straight arms and legs

   • Snap down with power into landing

🧩 What to Avoid

• Stopping or hesitating between roundoff and handspring

• Throwing the head instead of reaching back

• Landing too upright out of roundoff

• Loose core or bent arms in the BHS

• Feet turning sideways due to poor roundoff snapdown

🔁 Drills That Help

• Snapdown + Rebound Drills

• Roundoff to Mat (controlled rebound forward)

• Roundoff BHS on Tumble Track (for shaping)

• Panel Mat Jump-Backs (to isolate back handspring power)

• Spotted Connections to build confidence and fix timing

🧠 Coach’s Corner

Cue this:

• “Finish the roundoff strong.”

• “Swing fast — don’t pause.”

• “Jump back, not up.”

• “Tight body, big push.”

🛡️ Safety + Spotting

• Athletes should already have a strong standing back handspring

• Should have roundoff and snapdown technique mastered

• Use a spot or resi mat until fully confident and consistent

• Work shaping drills to reinforce clean muscle memory

🔗 Bonus Note: The 5 Key Steps to Running Tumbling

Make sure your athlete’s setup, lunge, T-position, trust fall, and hand placement are correct before ever connecting the BHS.

If the approach is sloppy — the entire connection will suffer.

✅ Final Takeaways

The roundoff back handspring is more than a connection — it’s a cornerstone skill.

When done right:

• It becomes effortless

• It leads to higher tumbling passes

• It builds confidence, momentum, and scoring potential

Don’t rush it. Refine it.