Rolling around the bar may look easy, however it is actually quite a difficult gymnastics skill to master!  Rolling forward around the bar requires many different body movements to work together successfully.  

Gymnasts need to learn to control the roll (just like the amazing Miss Milly does below!).

First the vestibular system needs to be activated to allow children’s bodies to feel comfortable rolling forward into an upside down position, before flipping the body back over to an upright state again! The vestibular system is the balance system and one of the key building blocks to children’s movement and learning.

Rolling and turning and going upside down swishes fluid in the curved canals in the ear.  This in turn stimulates tiny hairs which are receptors to the nerves carrying information to the brain about which way is up.  All of this is really important to master gravity and move around fluently (read more about the Vestibular System in our blog).

All in all there is a whole lot of strength, determination and body control required to complete this skill!  

But once it is mastered, watch out for more difficult circles, swings and skills on bars!  This controlled roll is the basis for back hip circles, clear hip circles and great swing shapes for long swings and giants down the track! The sky is the limit!

Great job Milly!

It’s so amazing to see our strong, confident kids learning through gymnastics!