summersault

Head-over-heels rotation

Summersault is an alternative spelling of somersault—a movement where the body rolls forward or backward in a complete revolution, heels over head.

The spelling reflects folk etymology, as if the acrobatic move belonged to summer, though the word actually derives from Latin roots meaning "over" and "leap." The gymnast executed a perfect summersault.

movement

tumble

Uncontrolled rolling descent

flipQuick turning motion
rotationTurning on an axis
rollList of names

spin · twist · tuck · pike · layout · aerial · cartwheel · roundoff · backflip · frontflip

play

roly-poly

Plump and round

tumblingAcrobatic rolling and flipping
roughhousingRowdy physical play
playgroundChildren's outdoor recreation space

grass · hill · rolling · childlike · spontaneous · frolicking · carefree · giggling · dizzy · fun

gymnastics

tumbling

Acrobatic rolling and flipping

floorIndoor walking surface
routineRegular sequence of actions
dismountGet off something ridden

mat · springboard · coach · training · competition · score · execution · form · technique · spotter

agility

coordination

Organized cooperative movement

balanceSteadiness or amount owed
flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
momentumProduct of mass, velocity

timing · precision · athleticism · dexterity · grace · fluidity · orientation · reflex · spring · power

Opposites

rotational direction

summersaultcartwheel

Lateral body rotation

side flip · standing still · round-off · handspring · back walkover

movement vs stillness

summersaultstanding still

Absence of motion

stillness · standing position · lying flat · motionlessness · plank hold

Family

summersaulting

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G