International Gymnast - January/February 2012

THE body’s rotary movements occur about one or more of the three tradition- al axes: 1) lateral (front and back somersaults); 2) anterior-posterior (side somersaults); 3) longitudinal (twisting). These three axial lines are always at right angles to one another and intersect at a conceptual point: the body’s center of mass. It is this point about which all rotation of the airborne body occurs.

The nature of the impact and takeoff in any skill determines the shape of the trajectory as well as the angular momentum (rotation) that the body possesses during the airborne phase. And because even the best performers can only remain airborne for a very brief period, it becomes essential that an adequate amount of rotation be generated at takeoff. From a practical viewpoint, it is important to understand the following principles.

• All effective somersault rotation must be initiated from the ground (or fixed apparatus).

Edited by Dwight Normile

Comparative Effects of Body Shape on Ease of Rotation Progressively shortening the rotation radius of an airborne body (going from a fully extended to a fully tucked body shape) proportion- ately increases its rate of rotation, and vice versa. Tuck

• Once initiated, somersault rotation continues to occur throughout the airborne phase of the trajectory.

Because the skill’s trajectory and angular momentum are irrevocably established at takeoff, the only aspect the performer can control during the airborne phase is its “rate” of rotation.

The sooner and faster the performer changes from an extended into a fully tucked shape once airborne, the earlier and quicker the rotation(s) are completed. This early, quick shape change helps the performer complete most of the somersault(s) during the ascent phase (peaking).

Adapted from “Championship Gymnastics” by Gerald S. George, Ph.D. For more information, visit www.winninggymnastics.com.

Layout
Puck
Pike

UNEVEN BARS

1. Volha Makhautsova/BLR: Mount: free hecht over LB with legs together to hang on HB (C)

2. Natalia Kononenko/UKR: Reverse hecht in straddle position with half turn to regrasp in mixed grip (E)

3. Viktoria Komova/RUS: On LB facing out, inside-Stalder through handstand with flight to hang on HB (E)

4. Mary Anne Monckton/AUS: Long swing forward with half turn to piked vault over HB (Shushunova in pike position, D) 5. Elisabeth Seitz/GER: On LB facing out, piked sole circle through handstand with full turn flight to hang on HB (full-twisting Maloney, E)

BALANCE BEAM

6. Christine Lee/CAN: Mount: two flying flairs (B)

7. Elisabetta Preziosa/ITA: Full turn with free leg held backward with both hands (D) 8. Giulia Steingruber/SUI: Dismount: full-twisting layout gainer off end (E)