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With tumbling, there isn't really any way to learn how except LOTS of practice. I will tell you one thing though-Handstands are the most important skill to master. If you don't know how to do a handstand, then no matter how good you are at other things, they will not be as good. Just think, alot of very important skills such as the round-off, cartwheel, flip-flop(back handspring), and front handspring all have the handstand position in it. So if you want to improve your tumbling, or are just starting out, then make sure that your handstands are PERFECT!!!
The next skill is the cartwheel. This is an easy skill to master, but you just have to get the form right. As you are doing a cartwheel, think to yourself, 'hand, hand, foot, foot'. This will help you. Also, When you put your first hand down, your first foot should already be off the ground. When your second hand touches the ground, your second foot should just be leaving. When you are in the wide handstand position (arms and legs spread apart), straighten your legs and point your toes. Also, don't look at the ground, because this will arch your back.
Next comes the round-off. This is basically just a cartwheel, but you land both legs at the same time, and it is often much quicker and has more power. Start out like a cartwheel, and then when your feet are in the air, snap them together, whip your feet around, pull your hands up, and land. Often, these end in rebounds, which is when you spring back into the air.
The back walkover is the next skill. It is fairly easy, and it will give you the back flexibility needed to do a BHS. If you know how to do a bridge, but do not know how to do a back-bend, start by facing away from a wall, bend your back and reach your hands over your head and behind you until you touch the wall. Slowly walk your hands down the wall until they reach the floor. Walk your hands as close to your feet as possible, and even though it is pretty advanced, try to straighten both your elbows and knees. Practice doing these whenever you can, at least a few times a day. Once you get pretty comfortable, try to stand up from that position. You may have to walk yourself up the wall a few times first. Once you get comfortable, or think that you are able ( this takes extremely strong ab muscles) bend back w/o using the wall, and come up also w/o using the wall. Remember, practice makes perfect!
The last skill I will explain is the back hand-spring, commonly known as the flip-flop, or BHS. Basically, this is a back flip. Start out standing with knees slightly bent, arms straight in front of you. Bend your knees and quickly jump up and backwards, bringing your hands over your head. Arch your back and put your hands on the floor. Whip your legs over your head, pull your hands off the ground, land, and bring hands straight over your head. Often you rebound after this just like the round-off.
MORE TUMBLING SKILLS AND STUNTS COMING SOON
