Here’s why:
- Takes “shoulder pops” to the next level
- Develops powerful round offs and front handsprings
- Can also be used as a drill for forward twisting (just half twist on the way down)
- The kids love the name and think it’s a “challenge”
Take a look at the drill below, as demonstrated below by my good friend Coach Steven who is also a part of the TumblingCoach.com crew (yes, he’s available for clinics)
Disclaimer (Click To Open)
Please keep in mind to watch the drill animations for their theory and mechanics, not execution. Most of my videos are captured during an athlete’s learning phase. Also, please do not perform any drills, prerequisites or progressions unless you’re in the company of a certified coach and have their permission to do so. The information on this website is presented purely for entertainment purposes only. You are solely liable for any injuries that may occur.
Basically, don't be foolish and use common sense.
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So it should be obvious that this isn’t a drill you should start with. Here are my usual progressions:
- Hold lunge shape with arms braced against the wedge, then needle kick heel drive and land on stomach. For this, the crash mat will be pushed right up against the wedge mat, no gaps.
- Then I have them go from a Passe start position, fall into lunge and do a mini shoulder pop, again making sure there are no gaps between the crash mat and the wedge mat.
- Once they can do the above, now I add the power hurdle start. Again, without any gaps.
- Once the athlete can pop off their shoulders and create at least 10 inches of space between their finger tips and the wedge mat consistently, then (and only then) do I introduce the Face Breaker.
It truly becomes fun when athletes start having a contest to see how far back they can push the mat. But like any drill or skill, there’s a risk and kids will take it too far. So make sure to keep a keen eye on the shenanigans.
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About Coach Sahil
For over 15 years, Coach Sahil has been on a mission to help athletes master their tumbling and acrobatic skills in the shortest amount of time possible without sacrificing safety or the quality of their technique. As a former Power Tumbler and Power Lifter himself, he fully understands the inner struggles of an athlete and how to help them get to the next level. To date, he has worked with thousands of athletes around the World and provided training to hundreds of coaches in almost every country you can imagine. He is also a Certified Gymnastics Coach, founder of Addicted To Tumbling, and former co-owner of a gym. He is also the author of the best-selling book The Cheer Diet.
