Somersault - Definition and Overview

This article is about somersault, the acrobatic feat. For the movie, see Somersault (movie).

A somersault (sometimes somerset) is an acrobatic feat in which a person bends his knees and rolls his feet over his head in mid-air and returns. The somersault can be performed either forwards or backwards and is synonymous with a flip (or, if performed backwards, backflip).

The word originates from the obsolete French word sombresault.

Front flip

Run and double jump up as high as you can. In the peak of your jump, bring your knees up to your chest. This is called tucking. Then bend your head forward and carry out the rest of the rotation. Your legs should fall out and touch the ground.

Best practiced on soft ground and with a professional coach at hand.

Also see

• Jules Léotard
• Trampoline
• Trampolining