At the same time that gymnasts are learning limbers, cartwheels, round-offs and other basic skills, they can also begin learning to jump backwards onto a resi-mat.
The arms can stay-up or swing-up with a shoulders-width to the ears side. The knees should be bent slightly to begin the jump. Make sure the gymnast does not squat too deep. The jump must show good flight with a long travel back.
The drill helps to coordinate the initial standing back handspring actions as well as the jump up and back rather than simply up. Progressively add a tight arch to the flying phase but without throwing the head back.
