In executing a rear fall, what initial action should be taken?

Executing a rear fall begins with a key initial action to ensure safety and effectiveness. Squatting and rolling backward is essential because it helps to lower your center of gravity, creating a more stable posture for the fall. By bending your knees and positioning yourself into a squatting stance, you can better control the descent and avoid landing with force on your back, which could lead to injury.

The act of rolling backward also distributes the impact over a larger area of the body, rather than a concentrated impact on the spine or tailbone. This technique is especially important in self-defense or tactical situations, where maintaining control and minimizing injury are paramount.

Other options, such as stretching the legs straight or standing up straight before the fall, do not provide the necessary support and safety needed to execute a rear fall correctly, leading to a higher risk of injury. Taking a deep breath, while it can be calming, does not contribute to the mechanics of safely performing the fall. Therefore, the correct approach emphasizes the importance of squatting and rolling backward as a foundational element of effective defensive tactics.