[break] {one's} fall

to reduce the impact or prevent injury when landing after a fall or sudden drop

The gymnast expertly twisted her body to break her fall and avoid any serious injury.
Falling from the ladder, he extended his arm to break his fall and avoid landing directly on his back.
The pile of soft leaves helped break the child's fall when they tumbled off the swing.
He grabbed onto a branch to break his fall while climbing the tree.
The stuntman uses special padding to break his fall when jumping from great heights in movies.