Balance Beam Roundoff Meaning in Gymnastics

A balance beam roundoff is a sideways move that ends backward. The gymnast performs a half turn through a handstand position on beam. The athlete pushes off the hands to land on two feet. This move turns the gymnast around to face the opposite direction. It provides the backward power needed for more difficult tumbling skills. The gymnast must stay perfectly centered on the narrow four inch beam. A gymnast performs a roundoff as a connector for a back flip. The athlete must place the hands in a straight line on wood. Keeping the core tight prevents the body from falling to the side. The gymnast must snap the legs together quickly during the handstand phase. Judges look for a fast rotation and a very solid landing position. This skill is a fundamental building block for all beam tumbling passes. Strong shoulder muscles help the athlete push away from the beam surface. The gymnast must land with the knees bent to absorb the impact. Proper foot placement ensures the athlete stays on the beam after landing.