Expert: Kelly Fitzpatrick - 10/18/2006

Question
I have cheered for the past 2 years. I have my backhandspring and I just got my tuck but I just cant land it right I always land it on my hands, knees,and the tips of my feet. Please help me

Answer
Hi Aaron!

Here are some tips for landing your standing tuck. If you don't do each of these things during your tuck, you will most likely find yourself landing short or on your knees.

1. First you must jump as high as you can with your legs and set with your arms straight up to your ears. This will help you to get the necessary height to complete your tuck. When your arms get to your ears, stop them as if they were to hit a brick wall then pull your legs around to complete the tuck.
2. The pull is just as important as the set. You could have the best set in the world but if you don't pull your legs around after it, you will still land short. You can either grab from the shins or behind the legs. I prefer the shins, because I think it looks cleaner, but either one will work.
3. The landing. When you land the tuck, get your chest up as soon as possible so that you won't be tempted to fall forward after already landing the tuck!

Good luck and I hope this helps!
Kelly