TUMBLERS MANUAL

Tumbling has always been a valuable and popular activity in school programs and has the particular advantage of requiring very little equipment. Its advancement has been retarded, however, because of the lack of uniform standards and consistent teaching procedures. It is also considered by many a hazardous activity, but this belief can usually be traced to the results of inefficient teaching and improper sequence of progression. The progression presented in this manual should do much to eliminate the common hazards of tumbling.

It was the purpose of the authors to set forth the material in suitable form for class instruction on the high school and college levels. In physical education classes the average of motor ability is much lower than that found in advanced groups and gymnastic teams. Consequently the method of teaching and the rapidity of progression must be adapted carefully. Stunts must be simpler and safer. Hence the typical gymnastic team coaching procedure and progression cannot be used successfully for physical education classes.

* Suggestion for Teaching Tumbling

* The Roll Progression

* The Inverted Balance Progression

* The Handspring Progression

* The Back-Handspring Progression

* The Companion balance Progression

* The Front-Somersault Progression

* The Back-Somersault Progression

The authors believe that by following closely the procedures and progressions herein outlined any well-trained instructor will be able to handle classes in tumbling without serious accidents and with a high degree of teaching success.