Scared of doing a forward roll!?

Question

In class we have to do a forward roll and maybe a cartwheel and handstand, except that I'm terrified of doing a forward roll because I might land on my neck and injure myself. I know that I won't if I do it correctly but I really want to know how to get over my fear and how to do a forward roll correctly! Also, can my teacher make me do a forward roll if I don't want to? Last year I tried to do a forward roll on a gym mat and really hurt my neck, but when I try on a softer surface such as my bed I'm fine and don't feel scared at all. Please give me some tips!
Thanks!

Answer 1

I totally understand; fourth grade I hurt my neck doing a backwards roll.



If you can do it fine on your bed, ask your teacher if you can do the roll on a softer or thicker mat. After showing your teacher you can do one, have him/her work with you on working down the mats- use less and less until you can do it on just a normal mat.



And, the teacher can not force you to do anything, but he/she can require it for you to pass. Just keep trying, and use soft mats. You'll get it eventually.

Answer 2

Start with a shoulder roll (army style) it's easier and puts no pressure on your neck. Once you are comfortable with that, practice moving into a normal forward roll. It's sometimes easier to do a forward roll if you have more speed/ momentum at the start, as you spend less time on your neck.

Answer 3

practice. um go on youtube maybe and watch how to videos. its kind of a strange question, i taught a 3 year old to do a forward roll.