Back roll is a gymnastics move that involves rolling backwards from a standing position. It is usually performed on a mat or other soft surface. The term BACK ROLL can be broken down into two words: OVER and ERIC. OVER is a preposition meaning 'ABOVE' or 'higher than, ' while ERIC is a given name of English origin meaning 'ever-ruler.' Together, the two words form the term BACK ROLL, which describes a gymnastics move involving rolling backwards from a standing position.