What Is a Forward Roll in Cheerleading?

Quick answer: a forward roll is a basic tumbling skill in which the athlete rolls forward along the length of the body, from feet to shoulders and back to feet - typically the very first tumbling skill taught, and a foundation for body awareness and control.

What Does It Look Like?

Starting in a crouched position, the athlete tucks the chin, places the hands on the ground, and rolls forward over the back of the shoulders, continuing the momentum through to stand back up on both feet.

Who Is Involved?

Tumbling is performed individually, though forward rolls are typically taught and practised as a group foundational exercise before athletes move on to more advanced skills.

Where It Fits in a Routine

Forward rolls themselves are rarely used directly in a competitive routine - their main role is foundational, building the body awareness, control and confidence that later tumbling skills rely on.

How the Term Is Used

"Forward roll" refers specifically to this basic, controlled rolling skill, distinguishing it from skills that leave the ground, like a cartwheel.

Related Skills

The forward roll is typically one of the very first tumbling skills taught, alongside the backward roll and handstand, before progressing to skills like the cartwheel.

Level / Division Context

Forward rolls are foundational and typically learned before a team's first competitive season, rather than being a skill specific to any particular level.

What Judges Look For Conceptually

Because forward rolls are rarely performed directly in competition, judges more commonly assess the body control and technique built from this foundation as it shows up in later, more advanced skills.