Chapter II: Part 2

9. Tumbling is of more importance than all other exercises, as, _nolens volens_, we all take a tumble occasionally; and if we know how to tumble—so as to land on our feet or keep from falling—it will give us a confidence that we would not otherwise have. There seems to be a very prevalent idea that if a man has never learned how to tumble before he is twenty-one he had just as well not start. On the contrary, if a person has never taken gymnastic exercises, he can make greater advancement in tumbling than in almost any other form of exercise, if his physique permits of tumbling at all. After acquiring a few of the exercises, tumbling can be practiced with pleasure and satisfaction on any lawn, sand-bar, or sawdust pile, and in this way will prove of more practical utility than almost any form of gymnastics.

A word of caution might not be out of place: In teaching adults (where a large mat, such as already described, is not used) the small mats cannot be piled too high to prevent jars and shocking surprises. If pupils suffer from dizziness, excuse them from these exercises. In combination tumbling the belt, or lunger, must always be put on for a first trial, however simple the exercise may appear.

In the following pages I have depended almost entirely upon the illustrations, and have intentionally made the text as short and concise as possible—following the plan of Messrs. Hitchcock and Nelligan’s most excellent work, “Wrestling.” I am also indebted to Dr. William Anderson, of Yale University, for many valuable suggestions.

JAMES T. GWATHMEY.

PRIMARY TUMBLING

1. =The Forward Roll Over.= Double up close, and finish standing erect on toes. Figs. 1, 2, 3.

2. =The Forward Roll Over=, grasping toes throughout roll. Fig. 4.

3. =The Forward Roll Over=, grasping toes, legs crossed Fig. 5.

4. =The Forward Roll Over=, arms between legs, hands on outside of ankles. Fig. 6.

5. =The Forward Roll Over=, arms between legs, hands clasped. Fig. 7.

6. =The Forward Roll Over=, arms at side horizontal throughout exercise. Do not touch mat with hands. Commence standing on right foot, swing the left to front to get momentum, and then under and back as you roll over to erect position on right foot again. Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11.

7. =The Forward Roll Over.= Same as No. 6, starting on left foot.

8. =The Forward Roll Over.= To lying flat on back.

9. =The Forward Roll Over=, with half-turn to face downward.

10. =The Forward Roll Over=, feet spread, arms in different positions.

11. =The Forward Roll Over=, arms folded, come to standing position.

12. =The Backward Roll Over.= Repeat all of the foregoing backwards.

13. =A Dive= is a jump for height or distance, alighting on hands. Bend arms, duck head, and forward roll over. Never strike middle of back first. Commence with the forward roll over (Figs. 1, 2, 3), and gradually increase the height or distance until you can finally go your full limit without jolting or bumping yourself in the least. The rise is usually from both feet.

14. =Dive= (1) =for distance=, (2) =for height=.

15. =Combine the Forward Roll Over and Dive for= (1) =Distance=, (2) for =Height=.

16. =Fall Forward without Bending at Hips=, with knees stiff; catch on hands.

17. =Fall Backward=, stiff (stage fall).

18. =Fall Forward=, with chest out, and back arched. Turn head to right or left. Continue rolling, and push over to feet.

19. =Combine Front and Back Roll Over=, making continuous movement by crossing legs as you finish the front roll.

20. =Combine Back and Front Roll Over.=

21. =Combine Front, Back, and Front Roll Over= in quick succession.

22. =Combine Back, Front, and Back Roll Over= in quick succession.

23. =Roll Over Backward=, straightening body as you go over to lying-down position on stomach.

24. Lie on back, arms at side horizontal. Bring right hand close to side, turn head to right, and at same time bend at waist, bringing feet over head, then snap over quickly on to stomach, facing in opposite direction.

25. Hold left toe with right hand and jump right leg through.

26. Hold right toe with left hand and jump left leg through.

27. Hold stick in hands, jump through and back in order to learn to double up close for back or forward somersault. Fig. 12.

28. =Head Stand.= Place the hands in line on the mat, and the head between and about 10 inches in advance, forming an equilateral triangle; throw feet over head, with knees together and toes pointed upward; hold 30 seconds, then forward roll over.

20. =Hand Stand.= Beginners can best learn this by placing the hands on floor 1½ feet from wall and throwing the feet up against the wall. In practising hand stands on the floor, come down easy to feet the same way you threw into position, or pick up right or left hand as you overbalance and come to feet, or bend arms and roll over. Fig. 13.

30. =Head Stand.= Push up into hand stand without losing balance.

31. =Forward Roll Over into Head Stand.=

32. =Backward Roll Over into Head Stand.=

N. B.—Do not compete in holding head stands for time. Caution boys especially against this foolish practice.

33. =“Bucking Broncho.”= Throw almost into hand stand, bend knees and push up hard with hands, throwing head and shoulders up and back, snap feet to floor and come to standing position; jump to hands again and repeat.

34. =The Forward Roll Over into Hand Stand.=

35. =The Backward Roll Over into Hand Stand.=

36. Body stiff, face downward, resting on hands and feet, without raising either hand, jump between hands to lying-down position on back.

37. =Roll Down.= From hand stand incline head and shoulders forward, bend arms until chest touches, keep back arched, roll to lying-down position on mat, then to knees, and jump to feet immediately.

38. =Head Stand and Roll Down.=

39. Lie on back, raise feet up in air, place the hands just above the hips, with elbows, upper arms and shoulders touching mat, bend and straighten knees with a snap, thus progressing backward on shoulders.

40. =Head Spring.= Place head (touching upper part of forehead, not the back of head) between and in advance of hands on mat. As you snap feet over shove hard from hands and head. Alight in standing position, with knees bent. Fig. 14.

N. B.—Always place head on mat easily, thus obviating jars.

41. Same as No. 40, only alighting knees stiff and back arched.

42. Same as No. 40, without hands.

43. Repeat No. 40, alight on right foot, and hold balance.

44. Repeat No. 40, alight on left foot, and hold balance.

45. =Twisting Head Spring.= Same as No. 40, only twist the body to right or left, and land facing starting position.

46. =The Balance Head Spring.= From head stand bend at waist, with knees stiff, execute head spring without touching feet to floor.

47. Same as No. 46, but with neck spring.

48. =Neck Spring= (snap up). Place back of head and neck on mat between hands. Same movement as head spring. Fig. 15.

49. =Neck Spring.= Hands on front of thighs, shove hard with hands and head as you snap feet over. Fig. 16.

50. =Neck Spring= with arms folded. Fig. 17.

51. =Hand Spring.= Jump from either foot on to hands. Keep the arms perfectly stiff, and as the feet are thrown quickly over (chest and stomach well out and head back) shove hard from hands and alight on feet with bent knees. Figs. 18, 20.

52. =Leaping Hand Spring.= Jump from both feet on to hands. Movement same as in 51. Touch hands lightly as you go over. Figs. 19, 20.

53. Same as 51, only alight on balls of feet, with knees stiff, back arched, and perfectly erect position.

54. =The Cart-wheel.= Either right or left side leading, keep the head back, chest and stomach well out, hands and feet as well separated as possible. If right side leads, place right hand on floor following with left, then left foot followed by right. Continue movement by keeping in a straight line.

55. =Round Off.= Start as in cart-wheel, but hand spring movement, turn, snap the feet down quickly, and alight facing starting-point.

56. Roll over backward to back of neck and snap up.

57. Jump, turn in air, alight facing starting-point, and back roll over.

58. Combine hand stand (Fig. 13) and snap up (Fig. 15).

59. A row of hand stands and snap ups in quick succession.

60. Combine two, three, or four head springs in quick succession.

61. Combine two, three, or four neck springs in quick succession.

62. =Alternate Head and Neck Springs= in quick succession.

63. =Hand Walk.= Throw up into hand stand, and as you overbalance take a step forward with either right or left hand, and continue.

64. =Hand Walk Forward.=

65. =Hand Walk Backward.=

66. =Hand Walk in Circle.=

67. Hand walk forward, turn, and come back to starting-point.

68. Hand walk forward, touching chest at each step.

69. Hand walk, forward roll into hand stand, and repeat.

70. Two head springs into hand stand, roll down (37), pull through (36), and snap up (48).

71. Dive, back roll into hand stand, to neck, and snap up.

The combinations of the foregoing movements are infinite, and the inventive teacher can repeat the same exercises in a different order or combination, making new movements out of the old ones, and thus keeping up the interest and enthusiasm from day to day. Select ten or twelve movements from the preceding list, and give as a drill for one lesson. Change the order, and repeat for next lesson; but give an entirely different drill for third lesson. As the pupils advance let them put in their own combinations at the end of each lesson.

ADVANCED TUMBLING

Note.—Advanced tumbling should never be attempted alone the first time. A belt, with an assistant on either side, is the usual method of practising these exercises. Do not hurry. Practise one movement day after day until you are proficient, remembering that a difficult movement once mastered is as simple as any other, and that after learning you can execute them with ease and impunity. It is folly, not bravery, to attempt movements by yourself that you are not sure of; and you are the one to decide this, not others.

1. =Back Somersault.= From standing position, hands by the side, spring straight up (do not bend forward as you stoop for spring), throwing hands high above head; throw the head back, and, grasping the knees, pull them well in at the highest point of jump, at the same time kicking the feet forward; let out, and come down straight. Fig. 21.

2. From a hand stand snap to feet and a back somersault.

3. Round off and a back somersault.

4. Two, three, or four back somersaults in a swing.

5. Forward run and back somersault.

6. Cart-wheel, round off, and back.

7. =Front Somersault.= Run forward, and as you run increase your speed; spring from either right or left foot a distance of from 8 to 12 feet, landing on the balls of both feet, hands by the side (Fig. 70), chest out, and head erect (not forward); jump for height, lifting the body by a quick upward swing of the arms, and at the highest point of the jump throw head and hands down with a snap, grasp the legs a short distance below the knees and pull in close and hard, doubling up close, then straighten out quickly and alight on balls of feet in erect position. Fig. 22.

Note.—Make the jump for height the fastest part of the run, and as you jump increase your speed so as to get the greatest height attainable, double into as small a ball as possible, and then let out and come down perfectly straight, and you have the ideal somersault.

8. =Standing Front Somersault.= Hands by the sides (Fig. 70), spring straight upward, lifting with arms and shoulders, and as you reach the limit of your height throw head and hands forward with a snap, grasping ankles and pulling in close; then let out again quickly.

9. =The Layout Front Somersault.= (Done principally from the spring-board, although a few exceptionally fine jumpers can do it from the mat.) As you rise for the somersault throw the hands well out in front, with arms perfectly stiff, head up, chest out; hold this position for a second, then make a quick, close double as in the ordinary somersault; let out and come down straight.

10. =One Foot Front.= Stand on one foot and execute regular somersault.

11. =Knee Front.= From kneeling position raise to feet, regular somersault.

12. =Head Spring and Front Somersault.=

13. =Hand Spring and Front Somersault.=

14. =Two Front Somersaults in Quick Succession.=

N. B.—A double somersault should never be attempted by amateurs.

15. =Back Hand Spring, or “Flip”= (the most difficult of all tumbling exercises). From standing position raise the heels, bend the knees, let the hands go back past sides, keep the body, from waist up, straight, stoop until hands can nearly touch the mat; from this position throw the hands swiftly forward and upward, at the same time raise on toes (but do not jump at all), arching the back well in, head and arms thrown as far back as possible; pull the body over by momentum of shoulders, body, and head. Figs. 23, 24, 25.

16. =Hand Stand, Snap to Feet, and Flip.=

17. =Hand Stand, Snap to Feet, Flip, and Back.=

18. =A Row of Flips; Two or More in Quick Succession.=

19. =Alternate Flips and Backs.=

20. =Round Off and Flip.=

21. =Round Off, Flip, and Back.=

22. =Twisting Flip.= As the hands hit, twist the body and alight facing in opposite direction from which you started.

23. =A Series of Twisting Flips.= The hands strike about the same place each time.

24. =Twisting Back.= Regular movement, only throw head hard to right or left and alight facing opposite direction from which you started. Fig. 74.

25. =Hand Stand, Snap to Feet, and Twisting Flip.=

26. =Round Off and Twisting Back.=

27. =Running Twisting Forward Somersault.= Regular movement, only throw head hard to right or left, and alight facing direction from which you started.

28. =Running Side Somersault.= Alight sideways and turn sideways.

Devise, invent, and make up your own combinations.

COMBINATION TUMBLING

By this is meant a series of combinations by two or more men exercising together. In these exercises a belt must always be put on for the first trial (or assistants stand on either side), however simple the exercises may appear, and must be kept on until the exercise is thoroughly mastered, which would mean that you have each other’s time and act in unison. Work with the same men all the time; beware of strangers, even if both of you understand the exercises. Do not be afraid to use caution and common sense. Only combinations that can be mastered by business men with limited time have been put in; the more dangerous ones, requiring much time, being intentionally omitted. In all of the following exercises No. 1 is the heaviest or “bottom” man; No. 2, “middle” man; and No. 3, “top” man (or lightest man).

ELEPHANT WALK.

1. Stand facing each other. No. 2 puts hands on No. 1’s shoulders, springs up and throws legs around No. 1’s waist, then leans backward and drops between No. 1’s legs, who then bends forward and places hands on floor keeping knees stiff; No. 2 places hands on No. 1’s heels and straightens arms; No. 1 then walks off (also with a small boy on top), or untwists legs and both do a roll over. Fig. 26.

WALK OFF.

2. No. 2 makes hand stand, feet well apart; No. 1 steps in, letting legs rest on hips, and grasps heels of No. 2, who straightens himself, arms folded; No. 1 then walks off with him. For first part of movement see Fig. 96.

HAND STAND ROLL.

3. No. 1 stands erect; No. 2 makes hand stand close to No. 1’s heels, his legs dropping over No. 1’s shoulders, who grasps No. 2’s ankles, bends forward, quickly pulling No. 2 over to a standing position; No. 1 now does a hand stand and is thrown over by No. 2. Repeat in quick succession. For first part of movement see Fig. 99.

DOUBLE ROLL.

4. No. 1 lies on back, legs raised to vertical, with knees slightly bent, and grasps No. 2’s ankles, who stands close to his head and also grasps No. 1’s ankles; No. 2 dives forward, held back slightly by No. 1 to break his fall; continue roll. Fig. 27.

5. Repeat No. 4 backward.

HANDS BETWEEN LEGS AND PULL OVER.

6. Facing same direction, No. 2 leans forward and places his arms between his own legs; his wrists are grasped by No. 1, who lifts (as No. 2 jumps) and throws him over to his feet. Figs. 28, 29.

BACK TO BACK AND OVER.

7. Stand back to back, arms extended vertically, grasp each other’s hands, heads turned to opposite sides; No. 2 springs and No. 1 pulls No. 2 over shoulders to feet. No. 2 must never relax muscles on this exercise. Figs. 30, 31.

BALANCE ON HEAD AND THROW OVER.

8. Facing in same direction, No. 1 grasps No. 2 on either side of belt, and No. 2 grasps No. 1’s wrists and springs up, assisted by No. 1 lifting, and comes to balance position on No. 1’s head; No. 2 then throws his head back, pulls legs up and snaps over to feet, assisted by a slight push from No. 1. Figs. 32, 33.

THROW OVER HEAD.

9. Same as No. 8, only in quicker time. No. 2 does not touch head of No. 1, who holds his arms perfectly stiff, and throws No. 2 over his head in one movement. Fig. 34.

10. Leap-frog, roll over, and continue.

STRADDLE VAULT OVER.

11. No. 1 places one hand under No. 2’s crotch; No. 2 places both hands on No. 1’s head and vaults over. Figs. 35, 36.

STRADDLE OVER FROM FLOOR.

12a. No. 2 lies down and No. 1 places foot close up and between No. 2’s legs and grasps both hands of No. 2, who springs up and straddle vaults over, while No. 1 pulls, then pushes his hands to horizontal with quarter turn of body.

STRADDLE OVER AND HAND SPRING.

12b. Position and first part of movement same as No. 12a, only No. 1 grasps No. 2’s wrists; as No. 2 passes over No. 1’s head, he doubles up close and does a hand spring from No. 1’s hands.

LOW ARM HAND STAND.

13. No. 1 lies on back, feet apart; No. 2 steps in and, bending forward, they place hands on each other’s shoulders; No. 2 does hand stand, No. 1 holding him in position. Fig. 37.

HIGH ARM HAND STAND.

14. Facing each other, hands on shoulders, No. 2 jumps up, crossing feet behind back of No. 1, who leans over and immediately comes to erect position; No. 2 pushing up into high arm stand. Figs. 38, 39, 40.

HIGH ARM HAND STAND.

15. Repeat No. 13. No. 2 is let down easily by No. 1, and rolls over, retaining hold on each other’s shoulders, to lying down position on backs; No. 1 does a quick back roll, and lands on feet between No. 2’s spread legs, and immediately pulls No. 2 (who assists by jumping) to high hand to shoulder stand in air. Fig. 40.

16. From position of Fig. 39, No. 1 throws No. 2 hand spring over head.

PULL UP FROM FLOOR.

17. Facing each other, and six feet apart, No. 2 dives halfway over, keeping palms of hands on mat by side of head, legs vertical; No. 1 grasps ankles and gives him a quick pull up and throw away; No. 2 assisting by pushing with his hands and head, and coming to standing position facing No. 1. Figs. 41, 42.

18. Same as No. 17, only both face same direction; No. 2 does forward roll; No. 1 pulls No. 2 to feet.

BACK FROM FOREARMS.

19. No. 1 stands body straight, feet spread, knees bent, and, interlacing fingers, holds forearms horizontal; No. 2 places hands on No. 1’s shoulders, jumps to forearms, and back somersaults off. Figs. 43, 44.

ONE LEG FORWARD.

20. Facing same direction, one foot apart, No. 2 bends knee and places right or left ankle in No. 1’s hands; No. 2 jumps directly up (assisted by No. 1), cuts close, and does a high forward somersault, coming down straight. Figs. 45, 46.

MOUNT TO SHOULDERS.

21. No. 1 facing front, No. 2 to left of No. 1 and right face; No. 1 bends knees slightly, feet well apart, holds right hand over head, palm up, and grasps No. 2’s right hand, also No. 2’s left with his left hand; No. 2 places left foot on No. 1’s left thigh; as each pulls hard with right hand, No. 2 jumps and places his right foot on No. 1’s right shoulder and left on left shoulder, lets go of No. 1’s hands and stands erect, heels together on balls of feet, knees straight, and legs pressing hard on No. 1’s head. Figs. 47, 48.

MOUNT TO SHOULDER WITHOUT HANDS.

22. Position same as in No. 21, only No. 1 folds arms; and No. 2, taking a short run, mounts to shoulders without using hands.

LIFT TO SHOULDER.

23. Facing in same direction, No. 1 grasps No. 2’s hands and lifts to shoulders, No. 2 doubling up close in order to bring his feet to No. 1’s shoulders. For first part of movement see Fig. 57.

TO DISMOUNT.

24. No. 1 reaches up and grasps hands of No. 2, who jumps down between.

25. Both lean forward as far as possible; No. 2 jumps to feet, and both do a forward roll over.

BACK FROM SHOULDERS.

26. Mount as in No. 23; as No. 2 jumps, No. 1 assists by lifting hard. Fig. 49.

FRONT FROM SHOULDERS.

27. Mount as in No. 23; as No. 2 jumps, No. 1 assists by lifting hard. Fig. 50.

CROTCH BACK.

28. Facing each other, No. 1 places hands under No. 2’s crotch, and lifts hard; No. 2 doing a regular back somersault. Figs. 51, 52.

CROTCH FRONT.

29. Facing in same direction. No. 1 grasps No. 2 by seat and lifts hard; No. 2 doing a regular front somersault. Fig. 53.

PULL TO SHOULDERS.

30. Facing each other, No. 2 leans forward, putting his hands between his own spread legs; No. 1 leans over and grasps No. 2’s wrists; a quick pull lands No. 2 on his shoulders straddle seat. He then places his hands under thighs of No. 2, who, in turn, does a back somersault off, assisted by a slight shove from No. 1. Fig. 54.

31. Same as No. 30, only No. 2 puts his feet on No. 1’s shoulders. Back or forward somersault off.

PULL TO SHOULDERS AND HAND SPRING OVER.

32. Position same as in Fig. 54. No. 1 grasps No. 2’s wrists, pulls him up, and places his hands on his shoulders; No. 2 continues movement by hand spring over.

NECK LIFT.

33. Facing same way, No. 1 puts head between legs of No. 2, who leans back quickly, and No. 1 straightens up and tosses him over his head; No. 2 doing back somersault movement. Figs. 55, 56.

TWISTING BACK OVER HEAD.

34. Same as 33, only No. 2 throws head quickly to right or left, and alights with back to No. 1.

DOUBLE DIVE.

35. Facing, and 6 feet apart, No. 1 dives forward, and as his head rests on mat—that is, half way over—with feet well apart, No. 2 dives over, comes to feet quickly; each turns, and repeat movement.

TRIPLE DIVE.

36. No. 1 in middle and facing No. 2, No. 3 back of No. 1 and facing in same direction; No. 1 dives forward and No. 2 dives over No. 1 (as in No. 35); No. 3 immediately dives over No. 2, and No. 1 has turned and now dives over No. 3; No. 2 again dives over No. 1, and repeat as before.

LIFT AWAY HAND SPRING.

37. Facing in same direction, No. 1 grasps No. 2’s hands and lifts him to standing position on shoulders; No. 2 jumps to mat between hands, and, without letting go, immediately jumps straight up, doubling up as he goes, stiffening arms and pressing hard against hands of No. 1, who pushes up, straightening arms; No. 2 continues on through, and does a hand spring from No. 1’s hands. Figs. 57, 58.

THREE JUMPS AND LIFT AWAY HAND SPRING.

38. Position same as Fig. 57, only No. 1 rests right knee on mat; No. 2 jumps over No. 1’s right arm, and immediately back to first position, in same manner over left arm, then over head and back again; No. 1 now rises to feet immediately, No. 2 doing lift away hand spring as in No. 37.

39. Same as No. 37, only go straight from mat to hand spring without going to shoulders.

ONE LEG BACK.

40. No. 2 places right leg in No. 1’s hands, leg horizontal, knee stiff; as No. 2 jumps and presses down with right leg No. 1 lifts hard, throwing him a back somersault. Figs. 59, 60.

LAY OUT BACK.

41. No. 1 interlaces fingers, palms up, and stoops well down, feet spread; No. 2 places hands on shoulders (also without placing hands on shoulders) and right foot in his hands, jumps, straightening right leg, and does a hollow back somersault, No. 1 lifting up hard. Figs. 61, 62.

LAY OUT BACK.

42. Same as No. 41, only No. 1 places hands behind back instead of in front.

GAINER LAY OUT BACK.

43. Same as No. 41, only No. 2 turns over No. 1’s head, alighting on opposite side from which he started.

RUNNING FORWARD OVERHEAD.

44. Position of No. 1 same as in No. 41; No. 2 runs, placing hands on No. 1’s shoulders, and right foot in hands, jumps, straightening right leg, and goes for regular front somersault, alighting with back to No. 1.

HAND SPRING TO SHOULDERS.

45. Facing each other, No. 1 bends knees slightly; No. 2 takes a run and places hands on No. 1’s knees and does a hand spring up, assisted by No. 1 grasping him by hips. Now quick roll back from shoulders. Fig. 63.

HIGH ARM HAND SPRING.

46. No. 1 spreads feet and braces himself, bending knees and getting low; No. 2 takes a good run, places hands on shoulders of No. 1, who grasps his thighs and pushes him over for a hand spring. Fig. 64.

PULL UP AND BACK FROM HANDS.

47. Facing each other, and 6 feet apart, No. 2 rolls over and pushes his feet well up under him; No. 1 steps in, grasping No. 2’s hands, pulls him up, and then pushes him up and away; No. 2, doubling up close, pushing hard with hands, throws head back and goes for back somersault. Figs. 65, 66.

BACK FROM BACK.

48. Facing in same direction, No. 1 bends over, placing hands on knees; No. 2 jumps to back, between shoulders, and does a back off, No. 1 lifting up hard. Figs. 67, 68.

FORWARD FROM BACK.

49. Facing each other, and about 20 feet apart, No. 1 stoops over, placing hands on knees; No. 2 runs and jumps on No. 1’s back, between shoulders, and immediately goes for front somersault, as from spring-board, No. 1 throwing hard. Fig. 69.

HIGH HAND-TO-HAND HAND STAND.

50. Lift to shoulders, as in No. 23. From position of Fig. 91, No. 2 throws into hand stand.

MOVEMENTS FROM POSITION OF FLOOR

BACK FROM HANDS.

51a. No. 1 lying on back, hands close to head; No. 2 steps in No. 1’s hands and does a back somersault, assisted by No. 1. Figs. 70, 71.

51b. Same as No. 51, only No. 2 takes a few steps and jumps in No. 1’s hands, going for back immediately.

BACK FROM HANDS.

52. No. 1 sits on floor, feet spread, and places hands in front, palms up; No. 2 steps in hands as before, and back out.

FRONT FROM HANDS.

53. No. 2 places toes in No. 1’s hands, and does a regular front, assisted by No. 1. Fig. 72.

TWISTING BACK FROM HANDS.

54. Same as No. 51, only No. 2 twists completely around by turning head to right or left as he goes over, and alights facing in opposite direction from which he started. Fig. 73.

HAND SPRING OVER FEET.

55. Clasp hands (do not interlace fingers), No. 1 placing feet on No. 2’s body, No. 2 jumps, and No. 1 pushes hard with feet and keeps his arms stiff, No. 2 pushing off with hands as he goes over. Figs. 74, 75.

HAND SPRING FROM FEET.

56. No. 2 grasps No. 1’s ankles and places feet against his body, same as in No. 55; No. 2 shoves hard from ankles as he goes over, keeping arms stiff in last part of movement, No. 1 also holding his legs stiff in last part of movement. Figs. 76, 77.

HAND SPRING FROM KNEES OVER HANDS.

57. No. 2 runs and places hands on No. 1’s knees and hand spring over, No. 1 shoving his shoulders, if necessary, as he goes over. Fig. 78.

HAND SPRING FROM HANDS OVER FEET.

58. No. 2 steps in No. 1’s hands and grasps the bottoms of feet of No. 1, who holds legs stiff while No. 2 does hand spring over. Figs. 79, 80.

BACK OVER FEET.

59. Standing close to No. 1’s shoulders, No. 2 sits on his feet, leans back, and No. 1 pushes up hard; No. 2 doubles up for regular back. Figs. 81, 82.

TWISTING BACK OVER FEET.

60. Same as No. 59, only No. 2 throws head quickly to right or left and alights with back to No. 1.

SIDE OVER FEET.

61. No. 2 stands by side of No. 1, and sits on feet. Rest of movement same as in No. 59. Figs. 83, 84.

PITCH BACK FROM FEET.

62. No. 2 sits on No. 1’s feet and lays back; No. 1 kicks vigorously, No. 2 doing regular back movement, and landing away from No. 1 on same side from which he started, not turning over No. 1 at all. Figs. 85, 86.

BACK FROM FEET.

63. No. 2 jumps on No. 1’s feet, gets a perfect balance, and does a back off.

MOUNT TO FEET AND BACK OFF.

64. No. 1 lies on back, feet up, hands on outside of thighs; No. 2 places right foot on No. 1’s left thigh, and presses inside of knee against No. 1’s foot to steady himself. He then places left foot on No. 1’s left foot and, without touching hands, comes to an erect position, then back somersault off. Figs. 87, 88.

HAND SPRING FROM ELBOWS.

65. Facing each other, No. 1 places hands on knees, bending over so that elbows project above back; No. 2 runs, places hands on elbows, and hand spring over. Figs. 89, 90.

HAND SPRING FROM SHOULDERS.

66. Mount to shoulders as in No. 23, then hand spring off. Figs. 91, 92.

PULL THROUGH TO FEET.

67. Facing in same direction, No. 1 in front, No. 2 rolls to position on back, arms folded, and straightens knees so that his feet can be grasped by No. 1, who pulls him through quickly on to feet. Fig. 93.

MISCELLANEOUS

HAND SPRING OVER HEAD FROM HIPS.

68. Facing each other, No. 1 places head between No. 2’s legs and, grasping his knees, straightens up, throwing No. 2 over his head, who assists movement by placing his hands on No. 1’s hips and pushing off hard, elbows stiff. Fig. 94.

JUMP TO SHOULDERS IN FOUR JUMPS.

69. No. 1 does a hand stand and roll down; No. 2 stands over him, feet on either side of thighs. No. 2 jumps on No. 1’s back thighs and immediately jumps straight up, No. 1 coming to hands and knees, and No. 2 lands on No. 1’s back just above hips; No. 2 again jumps straight up, and No. 1 comes to feet with hands on knees; No. 2 jumps up again, No. 1 comes to an erect position, and No. 2 lands on shoulders. Lean and roll over.

WALK AROUND.

70. Complete jump to shoulders as in No. 69; No. 1 bends and places right knee and then left on mat, now crosses feet and sits down, straightening legs out in front, then lies down, still holding and steadying No. 2 by ankles, who retains his erect position by standing on front of No. 1’s shoulders; No. 1 brings legs up, feet well apart, and No. 2 steps on his right or left hock and mashes it down; No. 1 turns head to right or left and continues back roll, coming to hands and knees; No. 2 steps up immediately on his back and does two jumps to shoulders (lean and roll over, or back or forward somersault off).

DOUBLE ROLL OVER BACK.

71. Get into position as in No. 2; No. 1 presses hard on heels of No. 2, who comes up quickly and continues movement by rolling on over No. 1’s back. Figs. 95, 96.

HAND STAND AND DOUBLE OVER.

72. No. 2 does a hand stand, and his ankles are grasped by No. 1, who stoops over quickly and assists No. 2 in turning the front somersault after leaving his shoulders, by pushing up hard on No. 2’s ankles (called a double—the body only turns once and a half). Figs. 97, 98, 99.

TRIPLE ROLL.

73. Same as No. 4, only three men grasp each other’s ankles and roll forward. Fig. 100.

BACK FROM THIGHS.

74. Facing each other, No. 1 squats, No. 2 placing hands on No. 1’s shoulders; No. 2 jumps on his thighs, No. 1 catching him by calves; No. 2 does a back, assisted by No. 1 lifting and raising up. Fig. 101.

FRONT FROM THIGHS.

75. Facing in same direction, No. 1 stoops, and placing his head under No. 2’s crotch lifts to shoulders, stoops and places No. 2’s feet on his thighs (or No. 1 grasps No. 2’s hands and lifts to thighs) and grasps his ankles; No. 2 straightens up and No. 1 pulls his head out, and as No. 2 jumps for his forward No. 1 assists by raising up and lifting hard with hands. Fig. 102.

THE BASKET.

76. From this position either a back or front somersault can be easily thrown. No. 1 grasps his left wrist with right hand; No. 2, same; each then grasps the other’s right wrist with left hand, thus forming basket. Fig. 103.

KNEE THREE HIGH.

77. No. 2 lifts No. 3 on shoulders, No. 1 then lifts No. 2 (and No. 3), No. 3 straightens up and leans forward, No. 2 pulls head out and holds No. 3 in position by ankles, No. 2 now raises up slightly and leans forward and No. 1 pulls head out and, straightening up, completes the knee three high. No. 3 jumps down and rolls over, followed by No. 2 and No. 1 in quick succession. Figs. 104, 105, 106.

KNEE THREE HIGH AND FRONTS OFF.

78. Build three high as in No. 77. No. 3 does a front off, then No. 2, and No. 1 does a standing front. Fig. 107.

STILL MOUNT.
(For Three High.)

79. (The object is for No. 2 to mount to shoulders without moving No. 1 from his tracks. This should first be practiced a number of times on the floor, and then on top of the horse or buck. When practicing a three high the top mount should always have around his waist a belt suspended from the ceiling the first few trials.) Facing each other and clasping hands, No. 1 pulls No. 2 (who jumps) on his feet, hands above head; No. 2 places left hand on top of No. 1’s head, and clasps his right hand; No. 2 bends left leg and places his foot in No. 1’s left hand; No. 1 pulls hard with right hand and lifts with left, No. 2 assisting himself by pressing hard on No. 1’s head with left hand; No. 2 places right foot on No. 1’s right shoulder and left foot on left shoulder, and comes to an erect position. Figs. 108, 109, 110.

THREE HIGH.

80. No. 2 mounts to No. 1’s shoulders and grasps No. 3’s hands (Fig. 111) and pulls him to top of No. 1’s shoulders; No. 3 continues on up by still mount. Lean and fall. Fig. 112.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS OF PROMINENT PHYSICAL DIRECTORS

New Haven, Conn.

W. G. Anderson, Associate Director Yale University Gymnasium: “I
believe in ‘tumbling’ as an exercise. It makes a man quick, agile,
and very sure-footed. It is a form of sport that is popular and
perfectly legitimate when properly taught. We have no good book on
the subject, but need one. If such a work is to be presented to
those interested in this subject, it ought to be written by a man
who has had much experience in actual tumbling, who is familiar with
the mechanism of the body, and who is educated. Dr. James T.
Gwathmey, of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn., is just the
person to compile a book on this form of gymnastics. He is a clever
performer, a teacher of wide experience, and an educated physician.
I have looked over the MS. of the Doctor’s new book, and I indorse
it.”

* * * * *

McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

R. Tait McKenzie, M.D.: “I am glad to find some one ready and able
to draw the veil from a branch of gymnastics which the professional
acrobat has so long kept shrouded in mystery. The reducing of the
various feats of tumbling to a progressive sequence, and the
analyzing of the various combinations, is indeed a difficult task;
but your kinetoscope method of illustration will make clear what
would otherwise require pages of description. Your work can not but
assist any one of ordinary ability in mastering the rudiments of the
art; but it will also appeal to the much wider field of all who
admire acrobatics, and will give them some idea of the difficulties
mastered by the professional, whose work they will more fully
appreciate. I wish your book every success.”

* * * * *

Ithaca, N. Y.

E. Hitchcock, Jr., M.D., Director of Department of Hygiene and
Physical Training, Cornell University: “It has always seemed to me
that this graphic method of instructing is the most useful, and I
know that this subject in your hands will help enormously in
instructing in a decidedly difficult branch of gymnastic work.”

* * * * *

Amherst, Mass.

E. Hitchcock, M.D., Amherst College, Pratt Gymnasium: “In physical
education, as in many other branches of mental and bodily training,
there are some advanced branches which are adapted to the few and
not the many. Acrobatic work is one of these. But it should be
controlled, cultivated, and made good use of, like the other work,
which may be undertaken by anybody. It is a pleasure to know that a
manual on this subject is to be prepared and furnished for our use
by one so capable to issue the book as is Dr. Gwathmey, of
Vanderbilt University. We shall wait impatiently to get hold of it.”

* * * * *

Amherst, Mass.

R. F. Nelligan, Instructor, Amherst College: “For sound men and boys
tumbling is one of the best and most exhilarating of exercises, when
practised under favorable conditions. Of course tumbling on a brick
sidewalk differs from tumbling on a hair-stuffed mattress, with the
aid of the safety appliances while learning. It has been said that
one can not learn after reaching maturity. This is not so, as many
first-class tumblers did not commence until after reaching
twenty-five. At the age of thirty-two I was induced to take up
tumbling under Dr. Gwathmey, and, with the aid of his safety
appliances, succeeded in learning to do fairly well over fifty
different movements and combinations.”

* * * * *

Kansas City, Mo.

Carl Betz, Supervisor Music and Physical Training, Public Schools:
“Your book, ‘Tumbling for Amateurs,’ which you have announced, will
undoubtedly be hailed with delight by thousands of young American
men who seek and find recreation in this particular kind of
exercise. The photographs that will illuminate the pages of your
book will be of intrinsic value to amateurs, who usually have no
expert teacher to explain to them minutely each step of the
exercise. If the element of danger in tumbling is greater than is
consistent with the needs of physical education, as some claim it
is, then your book, giving such minute instructions, and photographs
of the body passing through the different stages of each exercise,
cannot fail to reduce that danger to a degree which every
interesting gymnastic exercise must contain. I therefore cheerfully
recommend your interesting and timely little book to all who may
wish to learn and practice the delightful pastime of tumbling.”

* * * * *

St. Louis, Mo.

William A. Stecher, Secretary Technical Committee, Nord
Amerikanischer Turnerbund: “I think that your undertaking is a very
commendable one; for I believe that the greater the control a person
has over his body—and tumbling undoubtedly increases this—the better
off he is. I wish you all success.”

* * * * *

Milwaukee, Wis.

Frank Pfister, M.D., Editor Mind and Body: “Received your favor of
the 7th inst., and congratulate you upon the idea of publishing a
manual on tumbling, for nothing recommendable exists in that line.”

* * * * *

Springfield, Mass.

Luther Gulick, M.D. (“History of Physical Training”), International
Y. M. C. A. Training-School: “Your letter of the 7th is at hand,
with the excellent cuts that were inclosed. You ought not to charge
less than one dollar for the book. I do not know but what you could
get more. I shall be very glad to purchase a copy of the book as
soon as it is published. Please let me know.”

* * * * *

Chicago, Ill.

G. W. Ehler, Physical Director of the Y. M. C. A. of Chicago,
Central Department: “There is a necessity for a good book on
tumbling, as there is none now in print to my knowledge; and I
believe that such a book would meet with a very hearty reception by
physical directors and by others who are interested.”

* * * * *

Boston, Mass.

Robert J. Roberts: “I approve of your idea of getting out such a
book as you speak of. I would keep out the dangerous exercises; or,
if you put them in, hedge them in so that amateurs will not use
them. There is no kind of physical work that will so harmoniously
develop every part of the body as tumbling.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------

OFFICIAL RULES FOR ALL ATHLETIC SPORTS.

The following list contains the Group and the Number of the book of Spalding’s Athletic Library in which the rules wanted are contained. See front pages of book for complete list of Spalding’s Athletic Library.

═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╤═════╤═════ EVENT. │Group│ No. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┼─────┼───── All-Round Athletic Championship │ 12│ 182 A. A. U. Athletic Rules │ 12│ 311 A. A. U. Boxing Rules │ 12│ 311 A. A. U. Gymnastic Rules │ 12│ 311 A. A. U. Water Polo Rules │ 12│ 311 A. A. U. Wrestling Rules │ 12│ 311 Archery │ 11│ 248 Badminton │ 11│ 188 Base Ball │ 1│ 1 Indoor │ 9│ 9 Basket Ball, Official │ 7│ 7 Collegiate │ 7│ 312 Women’s │ 7│ 318 Water │ 12│ 55 Basket Goal │ 6│ 188 Bat Ball │ 12│ 55 Betting │ 12│ 55 Bowling │ 8│ 8 Boxing—A. A. U., Marquis of Queensbury, London Prize Ring │ 14│ 162 Broadsword (mounted) │ 12│ 55 Caledonian Games │ 12│ 55 Canoeing │ 13│ 23 Children’s Games │ 11│ 189 Court Tennis │ 11│ 194 Cricket │ 3│ 3 Croquet │ 11│ 138 Curling │ 11│ 14 Dog Racing │ 12│ 55 Fencing │ 14│ 165 Foot Ball │ 2│ 2 Code of Rules │ 2│ 334 Association (Soccer) │ 2│ 2A English Rugby │ 12│ 55 Canadian │ 2│ 332 Golf │ 5│ 5 Golf-Croquet │ 6│ 188 Hand Ball │ 11│ 13 Hand Polo │ 10│ 188 Hand Tennis │ 11│ 194 Hitch and Kick │ 12│ 55 Hockey │ 6│ 304 Ice │ 6│ 6 Field │ 6│ 154 Garden │ 6│ 188 Lawn │ 6│ 188 Parlor │ 6│ 188 Ring │ 12│ 55 Ontario Hockey Ass’n │ 6│ 256 Indoor Base Ball │ 9│ 9 Intercollegiate A. A. A. A. │ 12│ 307 I.-C. Gymnastic Ass’n │ 15│ 333 Lacrosse │ 11│ 201 U. S. I.-C. Lacrosse League │ 11│ 337 Lawn Bowls │ 11│ 207 Lawn Games │ 11│ 188 Lawn Tennis │ 4│ 4 Obstacle Races │ 12│ 55 Olympic Game Events—Marathon Race, Stone Throwing with │ │ Impetus, Spear Throwing, Hellenic Method of Throwing │ │ Discus. Discus, Greek Style for Youths │ 12│ 55 Pigeon Flying │ 12│ 55 Pin Ball │ 12│ 55 Playground Ball │ 1│ 306 Polo (Equestrian) │ 10│ 199 Polo, Rugby │ 12│ 55 Polo, Water (A. A. U.) │ 12│ 311 Potato Racing │ 12│ 311 Professional Racing, Sheffield Rules │ 12│ 55 Public Schools Athletic League Athletic Rules │ 12│ 313 Girls’ Branch; including Rules for School Games │ 12│ 314 Push Ball │ 11│ 170 Push Ball, Water │ 12│ 55 Quoits │ 11│ 167 Racquets │ 11│ 194 Revolver Shooting │ 12│ 55 Ring Hockey │ 6│ 180 Roller Polo │ 10│ 10 Roller Skating Rink │ 10│ 10 Roque │ 11│ 271 Rowing │ 13│ 128 Sack Racing │ 12│ 55 Shuffleboard │ 12│ 55 Skating │ 13│ 209 Skittles │ 12│ 55 Snowshoeing │ 12│ 55 Squash Racquets │ 11│ 194 Swimming │ 13│ 177 Tether Tennis │ 11│ 188 Three-Legged Race │ 12│ 55 Volley Ball │ 6│ 188 Wall Scaling │ 12│ 55 Walking │ 12│ 55 Water Polo (American) │ 12│ 311 Water Polo (English) │ 12│ 55 Wicket Polo │ 10│ 188 Wrestling │ 14│ 236 Y. M. C. A. All-Round Test │ 12│ 302 Y. M. C. A. Athletic Rules │ 12│ 302 Y. M. C. A. Hand Ball Rules │ 12│ 302 Y. M. C. A. Pentathlon Rules │ 12│ 302 Y. M. C. A. Volley Ball Rules │ 12│ 302 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┴─────┴─────

Spalding New and Improved Worsted Jerseys

Following sizes carried in stock regularly in all qualities: 28 to 44
inch chest.
Other sizes at an advanced price.

_We allow two inches for stretch in all our Jerseys, and sizes are marked accordingly. It is suggested, however, that for very heavy men a size about two inches larger than coat measurement be ordered to insure a comfortable fit._

STOCK COLORS =PLAIN COLORS=—The following stock colors are supplied in our worsted jerseys (NOT Nos. 6 or 6X) at regular prices. Other colors to order only in any quality (EXCEPT Nos. 6 and 6X), =25c.= each extra.

Gray
Orange
Black
White
Maroon
Scarlet
Cardinal
Navy Blue
Royal Blue
Columbia Blue
Peacock Blue
Dark Green
Olive Green
Irish Green
Pink
Purple
Yellow
Seal Brown
Old Gold
Drab

No. =1P=. Full regular made; that is,
fashioned or knit to exact
shape on the machine and
then put together by hand,
altogether different from
cutting them out of a piece
of material and sewing them
up on a machine as are the
majority of garments known
as Jerseys. Special quality
worsted. Solid stock
colors. Each, =$4.50=
No. =10P=. Worsted, fashioned. Solid
stock colors, Each, =$3.00=
No. =12P=. Worsted; solid stock colors. Each, =$2.75=
No. =12XB=. Boys’ Jersey. Worsted.
Furnished in sizes 26 to 36
inches chest measurement
only. Solid stock colors
only. No special orders. Each, =$2.00=

=SPECIAL NOTICE= _We will furnish any of the above solid color
Jerseys, (except Nos. 6 and 6X) with one color body and another
color (not striped) collar and cuffs in stock colors only at no
extra charge._

Spalding Cotton Jerseys

No. =6=. Cotton, good quality,
fashioned, roll collar,
full length sleeves.
Colors: Black, Navy Blue,
Gray and Maroon only. Each. =$1.00=
No. =6X=. Cotton, same as No. 6, but
with striped sleeves in
following combinations
only: Navy with White or
Red stripe; Black with
Orange or Red stripe;
Maroon with White stripe. Each. =$1.25=

Woven Letters, Numerals or Designs

_We weave into our best grade Jerseys. No. 1P. Letters, Numerals and
Designs in special colors as desired. Prices quoted on application.
Designs submitted._

PRICES SUBJECT TO ADVANCE WITHOUT NOTICE

Spalding Coat Jerseys

Following sizes carried in stock regularly in all qualities: 28 to 44
inch chest. Other sizes at an advanced price.

_We allow two inches for stretch in all our Jerseys, and sizes are
marked accordingly._

_It is suggested, however, that for very heavy men a size about two
inches larger than coat measurement be ordered to insure a
comfortable fit._

STOCK COLORS

Gray
Orange
Black
White
Maroon
Scarlet
Cardinal
Navy
Royal Blue
Columbia Blue
Peacock Blue
Dark Green
Olive Green
Irish Green
Pink
Purple
Yellow
Seal Brown
Old Gold
Drab

=PLAIN COLORS=—The above stock colors are supplied in our worsted
jerseys (NOT Nos. 6 or 6X) at regular prices. Other colors to order only
in any quality (EXCEPT Nos. 6 or 6X) =25c.= each extra.

=STRIPES AND TRIMMINGS=—Supplied as specified in any of the above stock
colors (not more than two colors in any garment) at regular prices.
Other colors to order only in any quality (EXCEPT Nos. 6 or 6X) =25c.=
each extra.

The Spalding Coat Jerseys are made of the same worsted yarn from which we manufacture our better grade Jerseys, Nos. 10P and 12P, and no pains have been spared to turn them out in a well made and attractive manner. Plain solid stock colors (not striped) or one solid stock color body and sleeves with different stock color solid trimming (not striped) on cuffs, collar and front edging. Pearl buttons.

No. =10=C. Same grade as our No. 10P. Each, =$3.50= No. =12=C. Same grade as our No. 12P. Each, =$3.00= No. =10=CP. Pockets, otherwise same as No. 10C. Each, =$4.25=

* * * * *

Spalding Striped and V-Neck Jerseys

_Note list of stock colors above_

No. =10=PW. Good quality worsted, same
grade as No. 10P. Solid
stock color body and
sleeves, with 6–inch stock
color stripe around body. Each, =$3.50=
No. =12=PW. Worsted, solid stock color
body and sleeves with
6–inch stock color stripe
around body. Each, =$3.00=
No. =10=PX. Good quality worsted,
fashioned; solid stock
color body, with stock
color striped sleeves,
usually alternating two
inches of same color as
body, with narrow stripes
of any other stock color. Each, =$3.50=
No. =12=PV. Worsted, solid stock colors,
with V-neck instead of full
collar as on regular
jerseys. Each, =$3.00=
No. =12=PX. Worsted, solid stock color
body, with stock color
striped sleeves, usually
alternating two inches of
same color as body, with
narrow stripes of any other
stock color. Each, =$3.00=

PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

=SPALDING= _Automobile_ =SWEATER=

No. =WJ=. Most satisfactory and comfortable style for automobilists; also useful for training purposes, reducing weight, tramping during cold weather, golfing, shooting, tobogganing, snowshoeing; in fact, for every purpose where a garment is required to give protection from cold or inclement weather. High collar that may be turned down, changing it into neatest form of button front sweater. Highest quality special heavy weight worsted. Sizes, 28 to 44 inches. In stock colors. Each, =$8.50=

=PLAIN COLORS=—All Spalding Sweaters are supplied in any of the colors
designated, at regular prices. Other colors to order only in any
quality, 50c. each garment extra.

=SPECIAL NOTICE=—We will furnish any of the solid color sweaters with
one color body and another color (not striped) collar and culls in
stock colors only at no extra charge. N. B.—We designate three
shades which are sometimes called RED: These are Scarlet, Cardinal
and Maroon. Where RED is specified on order Scarlet will be
supplied.

STOCK COLORS

Gray
Orange
Black
White
Maroon
Scarlet
Cardinal
Navy
Royal Blue
Columbia Blue
Peacock Blue
Dark Green
Olive Green
Irish Green
Pink
Purple
Yellow
Seal Brown
Old Gold
Drab

Spalding “Highest Quality” Sweaters

_We allow four inches for stretch in all our sweaters, and sizes are marked accordingly. It is suggested, however, that for very heavy men a size about two inches larger than coat measurement be ordered to insure a comfortable fit._

WORSTED SWEATERS. Made of special quality wool, and exceedingly soft and pleasant to wear. They are full fashioned to body and arms and put together by hand, not simply stitched up on a machine as are the majority of garments sold as regular made goods.

_All made with 9–inch collars; sizes 28 to 44 inches._