Photo by U.S. Army Signal Corps

 

TUMBLING

Tumbling has always been an excel-
lent body conditioner and a source
of great fun for high school boys.
Our armed forces find it useful in get-
ting to cover, in leaping from moving
trucks and tanks and from fences and
walls. Our soldiers find it essential in
hand-to-hand fighting and in para-
chute training.

Here are the basic tumbling stunts,
beginning with the simpler move-
ments and progressing to the more
difficult. Each exercise should always
be preceded with a good warm up to
stretch the muscles.

FORWARD ROLL: Take a low
straddle position in front of the mat,

4

leaning forward so that the weight is
over the toes and both hands are flat on
the mat. Then shift the weight forward
on the hands, duck the head and push
forward. Land on the back of the neck
and shoulders. Keep a tight tuck with
the chin on the chest and roll like a
ball on the shoulders and back (not on
the head). Grab the shins as you go
over and rise to a standing position.

FOOTBALL SHOULDER ROLL:
As you drop to the mat, turn your head
and left shoulder to the right, breaking
the fall with the left arm, which should
be kept relaxed. Land on the back of
the left shoulder blade and roll over
the back and the buttocks to a stand.