Classes & Lessons
At Black Hawks Athletics, we offer a variety of classes designed to help athletes of all ages and skill levels grow in confidence, strength, and ability. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to take their skills to the next level, we provide a safe, encouraging, and challenging environment to succeed.
Tiny Tots (3-6)
Our Tiny Tots class is the perfect introduction to movement and tumbling for young athletes. Through fun, play-based activities, children develop coordination, balance, and confidence while learning the very basics of gymnastics and cheer tumbling. Skills include:
- Forward rolls and animal walks
- Beginner handstands and cartwheels with assistance
- Jumps, hops, and safe landings
- Balance, flexibility, and strength-building exercises
- Listening skills, teamwork, and following directions in a class setting
This class focuses on building a love for movement while creating a safe and encouraging environment for little ones to grow.
Intro | Level 1
This class is the foundation for all tumbling. Athletes focus on strength, coordination, and mastering the basics that set them up for long-term success. Skills include:
- Forward and backward rolls
- Handstands and cartwheels
- Round-offs
- Bridge kickovers and backbend work
- Introductory back and front walkovers
Athletes in Level 1 build confidence and body awareness while developing the strength and technique needed to safely progress.
Advanced Level 1 | Intro Level 2
Level 1 Advanced is designed for athletes who have mastered the basics and are ready to push their skills further. This class bridges the gap between introductory tumbling and Level 2, focusing on strong technique, connections, and confidence in more challenging skills.
Skills Taught in Level 1 Advanced:
- Solid round-offs with power and control
- Back and front walkovers with clean form
- Bridge kickovers and limbers with strength and consistency
- Introductory back handspring drills (with progressions and spot)
- Connection work between cartwheels, round-offs, and walkovers
This class gives athletes the chance to refine their foundation while preparing for higher-level tumbling skills. With a focus on strength, safety, and proper body shaping, Level 1 Advanced athletes build the confidence they need to progress into handsprings and beyond.
Level 2
Level 2 builds on the fundamentals and introduces power tumbling skills with an emphasis on correct form and control. Athletes in this class will work on:
- Back walkovers and front walkovers
- Standing back handsprings
- Running round-off back handsprings
- Connection skills into series
- Basic front handsprings and introductory aerial awareness
This level focuses on clean technique and consistency, preparing athletes for advanced tumbling combinations.
Level 3 +
Level 3 takes tumbling to the next stage with advanced series and salto skills. Athletes refine technique and power while learning to safely connect multiple skills. Focus areas include:
- Standing back handspring series (multiple in a row)
- Standing tumbling to salto
- Running tumbling passes with tucks and layouts
- Front tumbling variations with specialty passes
- Increased emphasis on strength, speed, and safe landings
This class is designed for athletes ready to challenge themselves with advanced progressions while building confidence for higher-level cheer and gymnastics skills.