The pike stretch. Sit down with your legs straight out and reach forward toward your ankles with your arms to get a deep stretch in the back of your thighs and calves, as well as in your back. The ankle roll. Sit down and hold on to the place just above your ankle and roll it a few times in one direction, then the other. Repeat with your other ankle. The wrist stretch. Get on your hands and knees and put down your hands so that your fingers are facing your legs, not away from them. Move back and forth slightly with your palms down, and then flip your hands so that your palms are facing up while your fingers are still pointed toward your feet. The neck stretch. Move your head from left to right and then up and down like you’re nodding. Finish the neck stretch by rolling your head clockwise a few times, and then counter-clockwise.
Follow through. Your legs should be tucked as you finish the somersault, and you should land on your feet with your arms straight out in front of you.
Since this move is rather difficult, you might want to try it with a spotter the first few times. Be extra careful to tuck in your chin so that your head doesn’t touch the ground at any time.
Don’t attempt this move until you’ve completely mastered the somersault, handstand, front handspring and other advanced moves. Once you get the hang of it, you can start making bigger dives.
