Roundoff (RO)

One of most important skills to master. A deep lunge and long reach are important to generate the proper momentum.  An aggressive blocking off of the hands and snapping of the feet are necessary to turn the round off over sufficiently for a stretched back handspring. It is important that the cheerleader not leap into the round off. The second foot should not leave the floor before the first hand contacts the floor.  The round off should finish in such a way that the cheerleader should have to run backwards to avoid falling. The feet should finish in front of the rest of the body with the arms up and a hollow tight body. The cheerleader's head needs to be kept in throughout the skill (Leaving the head out causes the round off to go around the side rather than over the top).

TIP: Work roundoffs over stacked mats, or mat shapes to jump back onto 8 inch mats stacked on to cheese mats.

TIP: Work round offs blocking from a slightly raised surface. Attempts should over rotate to the back without the feet touching the ground. This will encourage a strong block and snap down.