How to do a Forward Roll
A Forward Roll is a tumbling skill on floor exercise that gymnasts usually learn around Level 1.
Also called: forward somersault on floor, front roll.
Quick facts
| Apparatus | Floor Exercise |
|---|---|
| Typical level (estimate) | Level 1 |
| Difficulty (Stickd rating) | 1/10 |
| Time to learn (estimate) | About 1 week |
| Fear factor (Stickd rating) | 0/5 |
Levels, ratings and timelines are Stickd estimates for planning, not USAG requirements.
Step-by-step progression
A Forward Roll is a starting skill with no required prerequisite.
- 1
Forward Roll
Learn a Forward Roll. Allow about 1 week (estimate).
Drills that build a Forward Roll
Technique focus areas: Tuck position.
What good form looks like
Forward rotation over shoulders with tucked body position.
- knees: tucked
- hips: flexed
- neck: neutral
Common deductions on a Forward Roll
| Deduction | What it means | Typically |
|---|---|---|
| Body Alignment | Body not in proper line (arch, pike, or lean) | 0.1 |
Typical values; judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is, and the judges' score is the official one.
Skills a Forward Roll unlocks
- Backward Roll (Floor Exercise, Levels 1-2)
Watch an example
Watch a Forward Roll tutorial on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
Frequently asked questions
- What level do gymnasts learn a Forward Roll?
- Gymnasts usually learn a Forward Roll around Level 1. That is a typical range, and every gymnast and gym moves at a different pace.
- How long does it take to learn a Forward Roll?
- About 1 week of regular practice, as a rough estimate. Real timelines vary a lot from gymnast to gymnast.
- What are the most common deductions on a Forward Roll?
- The ones to watch for are Body Alignment (usually about 0.1). Judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is.