somersaults

A somersault is a rotational movement in which the body turns 360 degrees about a horizontal axis, typically in the sagittal plane. It can be performed forward or backward and may start from a standing position, a run-up, or from a springboard or platform, depending on the sport. The term originates from Old French sombresaut or somersaut, meaning a bound or overjump.

In practice, somersaults vary by body shape and entry. Common body positions include tucked (knees drawn to the chest), piked (knees straight with hips bent), and layout (straight). Tighter shapes reduce the moment of inertia, allowing faster rotation; looser shapes slow rotation. Twists may be added to create twisted somersaults, and rotations can be performed with either forward or backward entry.

Somersaults are fundamental in disciplines such as artistic gymnastics, diving, aerial arts, and some forms of parkour. They are often taught through progressive drills beginning with basic rolls, progressing to standing or running front and back flips, and then to entries from apparatus or platforms. Training emphasizes body alignment, timing, height, control, and safe landings, usually with mats, spotting, and instruction to minimize injury risk.

Etymology traces the word to Old French sombresaut or somersaut, reflecting an early notion of leaping or bounding over. In modern usage, somersaults may be described simply as flips, but the term broadly covers a full 360-degree rotation of the body on a horizontal axis without a twist.