standing dive rolls

[Angela]

Thanks everybody -- there were a lot of awesome ideas!! I'll definitlely be trying out your advice. Angela.

[JBS]

For beginners, I put them up high (vault table) and have them dive roll onto a pit mat (a couple feet down from table). I always make them jump the same way:

Stand up tall with your arms up...bend your knees...bend over...jump and roll.

I always spot them as some kids tend to jump on their heads. I used to spot rae rae this way when she was younger.

[coachamyamerican]

we usually use a large wedge with our beginners. Mark an X on the floor for the punch and roll down the mat. As they progress, add mats underneath for height and start moving the x back. Also using octagon mats that they can dive over can work. Be sure to mat behind it until the skill is safe for them!

I also have them do punch drills onto stacked matts to get the big punch needed for height!
Good luck!

[gymcat_star]

I always tell the girls that the only difference between a jump handstand fall to their back like their L4 vault and a dive roll is the fact that in a dive roll you roll out of the handstand and in a vault you push off your hands to your back. Though this isn't technically correct, it gets them to drive their heels, and the closer they get to handstand, the less likely they are to fall on their head.