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SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY.
21

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.