FLOOR ACTIVITIES
Definition
Floor activities are gym exercises done on mats to build strength and flexibility. They include moves like rolls and handstands.
Equipment Needed for Floor activities
- Floor Mat (12m × 12m padded surface).
- Safety Mats (for landing).
- Springboard (for take-off in some moves).
Basic Floor activities
- Forward Roll - Bend down, put hands on mat, tuck your head, roll forward like a ball, and stand up.
- Backward Roll - Squat low, roll backwards, push with your hands, and finish standing.
- Cartwheel - Move sideways like a wheel: hand-hand-foot-foot.
- Handstand - Kick up onto your hands with straight arms and legs.
- Headstand - Balance upside-down on your head and hands.
Advanced Skills in floor activities
- Round-off (Cartwheel with 180° turn).
- Back Walkover (Backward arching motion).
- Front Handspring (Forward flip with hand support).
- Aerial Cartwheel (No-hands cartwheel).
Safety Rules in floor activities
- Always warm up for 10-15 minutes
- Use proper landing techniques (bent knees).
- Have a spotter for new skills.
- Remove all jewelry before practice.
- Progress from simple to complex moves.
Benefits of Floor Exercises
- Improves flexibility and balance.
- Strengthens arms, legs and core.
- Develops body awareness.
- Boosts confidence in physical abilities.
- Enhances coordination and rhythm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in flor exercises
- Arching back during rolls
- Landing with locked knees.
- Attempting advanced skills without basics.
- Not using spotters for new moves.
- Rushing through movements.
Teaching Progression for floor exercises
- Start with static balances (e.g., tuck stand)
- Move to rolling exercises.
- Introduce weight transfers (cartwheels).
- Progress to flight elements (handsprings)
