Judo · Breakfalls · Warm-up

Breakfalls progression

Back, side and forward rolling breakfalls, from lying to standing, every session.

S1S2S3
Start / 6
Time
8 min
Players
1–30
Age
U5+
Area
Mat
Equipment
crash mats

Setup

  1. Students in lines along the mat with space in front.

How it runs

  1. Back breakfalls from lying, then squatting, then standing.
  2. Side breakfalls each side the same way.
  3. Forward rolling breakfalls down the mat, three lengths.

Coaching points

  • Chin tucked, eyes on the belt.
  • Slap the mat with the whole arm at 45 degrees.
  • Exhale on impact.

Common mistakes

  • Head hitting the mat.
  • Slapping with the hand only.

Say it: “Chin in, slap, breathe out.”

Make it harder

  • Rolling breakfall over a kneeling partner.
  • From a jump.

Make it easier

  • Stay on the lying and squatting versions.
  • Crash mat.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.