Video exampler: coming soon…
Video tutorial: coming soon…
Recommended prerequisites: none
Description: If I told you to do a back shoulder roll right now, you probably would do it without this tutorial. You'd bend down and then roll behind you to one side. All would be well in the world. You can do that, if you want. Go do it now. It's easy. And if you need more convincing, I guess you can read the tutorial.
Slide by slide breakdown
Start on your butt with your weight forward. See? This is easy stuff. I could fall asleep in this position. (No, actually, probably couldn't.)
Throw your weight back while doing your best to maintain a nice rounded curve in your spine. You can already see I'm favoring one side here, and that's because I'm aiming to roll off of my shoulder.
Here's even more favoring to one side. The side that you favor won't be very active. I'm rolling to the left side and my left arm is down and rather relaxed. Right arm is helping carry the momentum.
Keep aiming for your shoulder and continue tucking your knees to your chest. The tighter you tuck, the easier it will be.
Here's a comparable shot from another view. My legs are rolling to the side of my head, not over top. The more comfortable you get, the more over the top you can go.
Once you feel the weight on the upper back and shoulder blade, tilt you head to let your body weight carry on through.
See? No weight is on your head or neck. The shoulder is the point rotation. And see how my upper arm is on the ground? That arm helps you balance and distribute your weight — it makes it easier to control the roll.
Recap cues:
- Roll onto the shoulder blade, not the neck.
- Stay tight with the knees tucked.
Troubleshooting:
Shoot your troubles in the face. Go practice.