As a parent, it’s exciting to watch your child work toward new tumbling skills. You may hear them talk about wanting to do a back handspring or a flip right away. But before they get to those “big” skills, you’ll notice their coach spends a lot of time on drills—smaller exercises that might not look like the end goal. While it may seem repetitive, these drills are a vital part of learning and help your child progress safely and confidently.

1. Drills Keep Kids Safe

Safety is always the number one priority in tumbling. Drills allow children to practice the correct motions in smaller, controlled ways before trying a full skill. This step-by-step approach helps reduce the chance of falls or injuries while ensuring they’re ready for the next level.

2. Drills Build Strong Foundations

Tumbling skills are like building blocks—you can’t stack the top layer without a strong base. Drills help your child master body positions, balance, and strength, which are the “foundation pieces” for bigger skills. Without these basics, advanced skills are harder to achieve and don’t look as clean.

3. Drills Develop Strength and Coordination

Skills like cartwheels and back handsprings require specific muscles to fire quickly and work together. Drills target those muscles and help kids coordinate their movements. Over time, your child will not only be stronger but also more controlled in their tumbling.

4. Drills Teach Discipline and Patience

Tumbling isn’t just physical—it also builds character. Drills teach children that progress comes from repetition, focus, and determination. These lessons carry beyond the gym, helping kids develop patience and resilience in school, sports, and everyday life.

5. Drills Build Confidence Step by Step

For a child, tackling a brand-new skill can feel overwhelming. Drills break down the process into smaller, achievable steps. As your child masters each drill, their confidence grows—making the “big skill” far less intimidating when the time comes.

Conclusion

Drills may not look as exciting as a back tuck or a round-off back handspring, but they are the key to helping your child learn safely, build strength, and gain confidence. The more they practice these building blocks, the faster and more confidently they’ll reach their tumbling goals.