How to teach a back tuck: 12 drills, step by step
Teach the back tuck by teaching the gymnast to jump up first, then tuck and rotate, using trampoline, mats and spotting before the floor. These 12 drills build a high, safe back tuck that later connects from a round-off or back handspring. They suit coaches of women's and men's floor gymnasts.
12 video steps · floor, floor-men
Step 1 of 12, free: Back Tuck 1
The phases
- Set: jump straight up with the arms driving up, not back.
- Tuck: lift the knees to the chest while the hips rise.
- Rotation: stay compact and keep the eyes looking for the floor.
- Opening and landing: open the tuck and land with feet together and chest up.
Before you start
The gymnast should do a strong straight jump, a backward roll and a bridge, and be comfortable moving backward.
Common mistakes
- Throwing the head and arms back: the salto travels back and loses height.
- Tucking before the top of the jump: low rotation and a short landing.
- Opening too late: the gymnast lands with the chest down or sits down.
- Knees apart: the tuck is loose and rotation slows.
Coaching cues
- Jump up, then tuck
- Knees to chest
- Hips over your head
- Spot the floor
All 12 steps
- Back Tuck 1
- Back Tuck 2
- Back Tuck 3
- Back Tuck 4
- Back Tuck 5
- Back Tuck 6
- Back Tuck 7
- Back Tuck 8
- Back Tuck 9
- Back Tuck 10
- Back Tuck 11
- Back Tuck 12
Frequently asked questions
What age can kids learn a back tuck?
There is no fixed age. It depends on jumping power, body tension, comfort moving backward and coaching. Many gymnasts learn it after the round-off and back handspring basics are in place.
Should my gymnast learn a back tuck before a back handspring?
Clubs differ. Many teach the back handspring first for floor tumbling, but a standing back tuck can be learned separately on trampoline. Base the order on the gymnast's strengths and your program.
What is a Back Tuck? Read the glossary entry