Parkour Roll / PK Roll
| The roll is one of the most useful techniques in Parkour, essential for reducing impact from landings and redirecting downward momentum into forward momentum. It doesn't take long to learn the basics of this technique but refinement can take many months of practice. There is no one single right way to do this technique as it differs slightly for everyone but when you are able to roll on hard surfaces without any discomfort then you have probably got it right. |
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| Normally you would go into a roll after a significant drop or if you are falling too fast to land on your feet and carry on running without stumbling but for the sake of learning it is usually easier to practice from standing and then work your way up from there. It's probably best to try rolling on a soft surface like grass or carpet for your first few attempts, but bear in mind such surfaces wont give you a very accurate idea of just how good your technique actually is. Once you think you have perfected rolls on grass, move onto concrete and refine your technique from there. |
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| As you approach the ground look to see where you are going to place you're hands and feet. |
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| As your feet make contact with the ground bend your knees to absorb the initial impact and bring your hands forward and to one side. |
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| Lean forward and place your hands on the ground to your left. |
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| Tuck your head into your non rolling (left) shoulder and aim to roll diagonally across your back from your right shoulder to your left hip. This is the part which is most difficult and takes the longest time to get right. Its not unusual to either catch your shoulder or your hip on the ground when learning, but eventually with practice you will be able to refine your technique to such an extent that rolling on concrete feels little different to rolling on grass. Practice is the key here. It doesn't matter how many tutorials you read or videos you watch, the only way to actually learn this technique properly is to go out there and do it. |
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| Assuming you did the previous part right you will now be rolling diagonally across the muscles in your back, keeping any contact between your spine and the ground to a minimum. In reality this will only last for a fraction of a second so keep tucked up as tightly as you can and face the direction in which you wish to continue. |
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| Bring your legs forward and roll onto your feet. |
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| Stand up and continue your run. |
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