This is the side you’ll want to use when you step off for your round off.
Your hands will form a diamond shape in the space between your forefingers and thumbs. This is for stability and safety. [1] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source It’s a good idea to practice hand placement before tackling the whole move. Since your hips will be rotating, it’s a good idea to practice the rotation motion. To practice the quarter-turn: Face forward with your legs together, arms by your sides. Bend your dominant leg and lean forward with your weight on that leg. Reach your other leg behind you. Your torso should be parallel to the ground. Reach your arms out straight above your head. Place your dominant hand down onto the ground and rotate your hips, lifting the opposite leg high into the air.
Just before you start the round off, make sure you have a hurdle run. That means you’ll make a short skip with both legs bent before leaping into the round off. Keep your head tucked in, rather than up or out. This avoids an unnecessary arch in your back.
Keep your leg bent while you step down. As you’re stepping down with your dominant leg, the other leg should be coming up behind you. Your hands should be out in front of you, palms open, waiting to catch your controlled fall.
Rotate your hips about 90 degrees. Make sure your back is straight as you step into the round off. Keep your eyes forward and down. As you reach your hands out in front of you, mold them into the T position so they’re ready for landing. Think quickly, you only have a few seconds to complete the entire move.
This all happens in one swift motion. Aim your non-dominant hand to land right next to your dominant hand. You want your forefingers and thumbs to be touching. As you bring your back leg up, keep your leg straight and strong.
Make sure your back and hips are straight, feet pointed.
Pull your legs together just before they’re vertical in the air. [3] X Research source Keep your legs high in the air as you pull them together. Don’t lower or tuck them just yet.
You’re positioning yourself to land with both feet on the ground. Stop rotating when your body is aligned and you’re facing the direction you started from. You’re doing this as you’re in the air landing, so make your rotation as smooth as possible.
Push through your shoulders, not your elbows. When you land, bend your knees a little bit to absorb some of the shock of the landing.
