How to do a Backward Roll
A Backward Roll is a tumbling skill on floor exercise that gymnasts usually learn between Levels 1 and 2, once a Forward Roll is solid.
Also called: back roll.
Quick facts
| Apparatus | Floor Exercise |
|---|---|
| Typical level (estimate) | Levels 1-2 |
| Difficulty (Stickd rating) | 2/10 |
| Time to learn after the prerequisite (estimate) | About 2 weeks |
| Whole progression (estimate) | About 3 weeks from a Forward Roll |
| Fear factor (Stickd rating) | 1/5 |
Levels, ratings and timelines are Stickd estimates for planning, not USAG requirements.
What to learn before a Backward Roll
Work through these skills in order. Each one is a required step toward a Backward Roll.
- Forward Roll (Level 1)
Step-by-step progression
The path to a Backward Roll has 2 steps. Week counts are typical estimates for regular training.
- 1
Forward Roll
Learn a Forward Roll until it is solid, usually around Level 1. About 1 week (estimate).
- 2
Backward Roll
Learn a Backward Roll. Allow about 2 weeks once the step before it is solid (estimate).
Drills that build a Backward Roll
Technique focus areas: Tuck position.
What good form looks like
Backward rotation with tucked body position.
- knees: tucked
- hips: flexed
Common deductions on a Backward Roll
| Deduction | What it means | Typically |
|---|---|---|
| Body Alignment | Body not in proper line (arch, pike, or lean) | 0.1 |
| Shoulder Angle | Shoulders not open to 180 degrees in handstand positions | 0.1 |
Typical values; judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is, and the judges' score is the official one.
Watch an example
Watch a Backward Roll tutorial on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
Frequently asked questions
- What level do gymnasts learn a Backward Roll?
- Gymnasts usually learn a Backward Roll between Levels 1 and 2. That is a typical range, and every gymnast and gym moves at a different pace.
- How long does it take to learn a Backward Roll?
- About 2 weeks once a Forward Roll is solid, as a rough estimate. Starting from a Forward Roll, the whole progression adds up to about 3 weeks. These are estimates; real timelines vary a lot from gymnast to gymnast.
- What should my gymnast learn before a Backward Roll?
- Forward Roll comes directly before it. The full progression is Forward Roll, then Backward Roll.
- What are the most common deductions on a Backward Roll?
- The ones to watch for are Body Alignment (usually about 0.1) and Shoulder Angle (usually about 0.1). Judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is.