RO BH full

Note: discussion will be for a right twist, just switch all R/L directives for a L twist.  The cheerleader should have a solid layout back before working this skill. The cheerleader should then work on a layout 1/2 twist by dropping their right arm and looking to the right.  Once the half is understood then the full twist is just a matter of dropping the left arm shortly after the right so that both hands are close to the right hip.

Start the skill with a round off, then a back handspring in continuation.  From the back handspring shrug through your shoulders, push off of the ground, and use your abs to snap your feet to the ground.  Make sure you lift your arms up to give your lift and jump off of the ground.  Just after takeoff the cheerleader must aggressively drive their heels upward while lifting their chest, tucking their chin to their right shoulder,  and dropping their left arm shortly after the right so that both hands are close to the right hip. Keeping tight is critical to successful execution of this skill. When you see the ground, open up out of your full and squeeze your landing for the finish.

TIP: To correct an early twist (a common problem), set an 8" mat on a trampoline. Have the cheerleader work 3/4 backs to their stomach on the trampoline. Have the cheerleader initiate the twist only after they see the mat, still landing flat. Once layout shapes and positions are memorized by muscle (not mind) begin to do layouts to your feet. Progress to layout and as you land do a quick half turn on your feet. Later, begin to do this faster and faster, eventually leading to doing it just before landing. Once the half begins to come naturally, do the half to a good landing, and then do another half turn. Repeat this faster, and faster until the second half is done.