Acro Skills in Gymnastics: A Beginner’s Guide to Dynamic Movements

Ever dreamed of flipping, balancing, or pulling off cool stunts like the gymnasts you see on TV? That’s where acro skills in gymnastics come in! These are the awesome moves that bring power, style, and excitement to every routine. 

These skills are all about big movements, smooth transitions, and jaw-dropping control. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll introduce you to the world of acro and show you just how thrilling gymnastics can be. 

What Are Acro Skills in Gymnastics?

Acro skills in gymnastics come from acrobatic gymnastics, a dynamic sport where gymnasts perform flips, balances, and tumbling moves. These routines are done in pairs or groups and combine strength, flexibility, and teamwork. 

In each team, there are usually two main roles: the base, who lifts, supports, and catches; and the flyer (or “top”), who performs the jumps, balances, and twists in the air. 

In groups of three or more, there’s also a middle who can act as both base and flyer. Whether it’s a duo or a team, acro is all about trust, timing, and stunning gymnastic skills performed in perfect sync.

List of Acro Skills in Gymnastics for Beginners

Just starting out in acrobatic gymnastics? Awesome! Here are some beginner-friendly acro skills in gymnastics that will help build your strength, balance, and confidence. 

These gymnastics moves are great for learning control and teamwork, whether you’re training solo or with a partner.

1. Forward Roll 

A classic beginner move where you roll forward from a standing or crouched position, tucking your head and using your legs to push off. It teaches body control and helps you get comfortable with momentum and movement. 

2. Forward Straddle Roll 

Similar to the forward roll, but your legs stay in a wide straddle position throughout the roll. It challenges flexibility and coordination while keeping the same smooth motion. 

3. Handstand Forward Roll 

Start in a handstand and transition straight into a roll by tucking and flipping forward to your feet. This combines balance, core strength, and spatial awareness. 

4. Backward Roll 

You squat and roll backward over your shoulders, ending back on your feet or in a seated position. It can feel tricky at first because the backward motion takes some getting used to. 

5. Backward Roll to Handstand 

After rolling backward, you push up into a handstand as you reach the ground. It’s a nice way to blend rolling with balance-focused skills. 

6. Shoulder Roll 

A diagonal forward roll over one shoulder instead of going straight over the head. It’s quicker and safer for certain surfaces, often seen in dance and beam routines. 

7. Sideways Roll (Log or Pencil Roll) 

Lie flat and roll sideways like a log or pencil, keeping your body straight and controlled. It’s fun and great for developing body alignment. 

8. Tucked Sideways Roll 

Start in a curled-up child’s pose and roll to the side while staying tucked. It’s a gentle introduction to acro movement and body awareness. 

9. Tin Soldier Roll (Teddy Bear Roll) 

Sit with legs wide, hold them, and roll over one leg then the other to switch direction. It teaches rotational movement while keeping a fixed body shape. 

10. Dive Roll 

You leap forward and dive into a roll, landing smoothly. This skill boosts confidence and introduces flight and timing. 

11. Cartwheel 

Gymnastics cartwheel is a sideways move where you kick your legs over your head while your hands touch the floor one at a time. It’s a staple gymnastics skill that builds strength and balance. 

12. Round-Off 

Starts like a cartwheel but finishes with both feet landing together while turning to face the way you came. It’s used as a powerful setup for tumbling passes. 

13. Front Walkover 

Gymnastics walkover is one of the essential moves you have to master. In doing a front walkover, try kicking into a handstand with split legs, then rotate your body forward into a standing position. This move blends flexibility, strength, and grace. 

14. Back Walkover 

Begin in a backbend and kick one leg over into a handstand split, then land standing. It’s the reverse of the front walkover and requires strong back and shoulder flexibility. 

15. Front Handspring 

Push off into a handstand and spring forward onto your feet with power. This is a fast, energetic skill that’s great for forward tumbling. 

16. Back Handspring 

Lean back and flip into a handstand position, then land on your feet again. It’s a classic tumbling move that feels like flying backward! 

17. Aerial Cartwheel 

A cartwheel done without using your hands at all and just legs in motion. It takes confidence and speed, but looks amazing once mastered. 

18. Aerial Walkover 

Like a walkover without using your hands, this skill shows off control and leg strength. It’s elegant and powerful at the same time. 

19. Forward Somersault (Front Tuck) 

Jump into the air and rotate forward, tucking your knees in until you land on your feet. It’s the start of learning full flips! 

20. Forward Piked Salto 

Similar to the front tuck, but your legs stay straight and folded at the hips. It’s more challenging and requires strong core control. 

21. Tucked Side Salto 

Flip to the side in a tucked position and land facing the same direction. It’s a fun twist to traditional somersaults. 

22. Piked Side Salto 

This salto is done to the side with legs extended and straight, giving it a sharp, aerial look. It’s a stepping stone to more complex flips. 

23. Backward Somersault (Back Tuck) 

Throw yourself backward into the air, tuck your knees, and land without using your hands. It’s thrilling and often used in floor routines. 

24. Whip (Whipback) 

A fast, straight-bodied back salto with a slight arch, often used in combination tumbling. It’s all about speed and flow.

Let Your Acro Adventure Begin!

Mastering acro skills in gymnastics doesn’t happen overnight, but with practice, patience, and the right guidance, anyone can build a strong foundation. Each of these moves bring you closer to becoming a confident, well-rounded gymnast. 

At Rockstar Academy, our Gymnastics Program is the perfect place for kids to build strength, flexibility, focus, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. 

As a top-tier Sports & Performing Arts Academy, we offer structured training guided by professional coaches who are passionate about helping every student reach their potential. 

Additionally, students also get to track their progress through regular Gymnastics Testing and competitions like Elite Championships and RockOlympics, giving them clear goals and a sense of achievement along the way. 

If you’re curious and want to see if gymnastics is the right fit for your child, we’ve got great news! Free trial classes are available so you can experience the energy and excitement of our program firsthand!

FAQ

What’s the most difficult skill in gymnastics? 

The backward piked salto is one of the most difficult as it needs strength, control, perfect timing, and confidence to flip backward with straight legs and no hands.

What skills do you need for acro? 

You need strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and trust—especially for partner work.