How to teach leaps and jumps on floor: 44 drills

Name: Leaps & Jumps - Drill 1
Uploaded: 2026-02-06
Description: You teach leaps and jumps by combining a strong take-off, enough active flexibility and a clear body shape in the air, then linking them to a controlled landing. This series covers leaps and jumps on floor, from basics to more demanding shapes. It is for coaches who want better height, split and finish in floor routines.

You teach leaps and jumps by combining a strong take-off, enough active flexibility and a clear body shape in the air, then linking them to a controlled landing. This series covers leaps and jumps on floor, from basics to more demanding shapes. It is for coaches who want better height, split and finish in floor routines.

44 video steps · floor

Step 1 of 44, free: Leaps & Jumps - Drill 1

The phases

Take-off: learn a fast, powerful push from one or two feet with the arms helping the lift.
Flexibility: build active split and hip flexibility so the shape opens in the air, not only on the ground.
Body position in flight: keep hips square, chest up and legs straight and turned out where required.
Landing: finish soft and controlled so the leap or jump can be linked to the next element.
Connections: link leaps and jumps together or with turns without losing height.

Before you start

The gymnast should have basic jumping coordination, a controlled landing and a working split on the floor.

Common mistakes

Slow take-off: little height, so the split or shape has no time to open.
Bent legs or sickled feet: execution deductions and a less clean line.
Leaning the chest forward: the split looks smaller and the landing gets heavy.
Hips turned open in a split leap: the split is less than it looks on the ground.

Coaching cues

Push up, not forward
Chest up, hips square
Reach the legs long

All 44 steps

Frequently asked questions

How can a gymnast get a bigger split in a leap?

Passive flexibility alone is not enough. The gymnast needs active flexibility to lift the legs, plus a fast take-off for time in the air. Train both alongside each other and check that the hips stay square.

How often should leaps be trained?

Short, frequent practice usually works better than long sessions. Many coaches include a few leap and jump drills in most floor or beam sessions, together with regular active flexibility work.