WAG Gymnastics
101
Skill Breakdown : Giants on the Bars
Preliminary Movement:
The gymnast starts in a handstand. It is essential that the gymnast starts right in handstand so that they can generate more of a backswing and more swing force going into the skill.
Back Swing Movement:
The gymnast stays in a hollow body shape so that the force of gravity will help with the setup for the force producing movement. The hollow body shape or the downswing is important as it is where the gymnast initiates the speed of the skill.
Follow Through:
The gymnast stays in a hollow body as they come around to the top of the bar and then they will lengthen out again at the back swing stage. By staying in a hollow body and not arching the back it helps to transfer the acceleration and kinetic energy gained from the tap.
Force-Producing Movement:
At the stage the gymnast has passing the low bar and is shifting the force and resitance to the hands and the lumbar spine as their body is stretching out and into an arch position for the critical instant. The gymnast produces the force and rotation from their ridged body position by staying tight it will produce the smoothest swing with the strongest tap.
Critical Instant:
The "TAP" is very important as it is at the stage in which the giant will either become great or head south. If the gymnast taps at the correct spot, under the bar, this will help accelerate the gymnast over the bar. This is done within a split second where the gymnast must create a slight angle in the shoulders and bring their lower half back into that hollow position. If the gymnast taps too early then the acceleration will not be enough to over come the force of gravity.
Source: Gymnastics Revolution
