February 25, 2011
To perform Kasamatsu vaults, the gymnasts do not execute a complete round-off over the table. Instead, they should repulse the table sideways and continue twisting. Observe in this slow motion example how the gymnast leaves the table sideways. By the time he stands up vertically, he is already facing away from the table. For a regular Kasamatsu, or a Kasamatsu full, this amount of twist will suffice to complete the skill. At this point, the gymnast should have accomplished at least another quarter twist for a Kasamatsu double-full. To measure his ability to land the skill safely on a regulation mat, this gymnast is training the Kasamatsu full on a resi mat placed higher than the competition requirements.
February 25, 2011
Successful vaults come from mastering certain vaulting components along with personal power. These components are:
February 25, 2011
As a gymnast gets better with a skill on the vault, it is a good idea to do the same skill to an elevated soft surface. The soft surface minimizes the stress on the gymnast's joints while making it more difficult to land. This encourages gymnasts to apply more power and improve their technique.
February 23, 2011
Most gymnasts learn Tsuk layouts and then progress to Kasamatsu layouts or Tsuk layout fulls. Some gymnasts progress to layout twisting vaults after mastering a fair tuck Tsukahara. Though it is ultimately up to the coach, we recommend the layout approach.
February 23, 2011
Although this young gymnast has some technical mistakes like bending his legs too early and holding the head out during the twist, he performs a correct and clear cruise to execute his tuck kasamatsu. Observe the cruise technique once more.
February 23, 2011
Sometimes gymnasts that are beginning to learn Kasamatsu or Tsukahara type vaults may get confused and go for a landing on the knees instead of the feet. This is a serious mistake that can cause a knee injury on a hard surface. Before the gymnasts try on a regular vaulting surface or even on resi mats over the pit, they must demonstrate a consistent ability to land feet first in loose foam.
February 18, 2011
This drill is one of the simplest introductory approaches to Kasamatsu vaults for those gymnasts that already know the Tsukahara. Gymnasts who twist in the opposite direction of the round-off should practice different drills than this one. The hands are placed down one at a time. The gymnast pushes off the floor with the second hand to create a flying phase high enough to clear the folded mat.
February 18, 2011
The goal of this drill is to land on top of an elevated surface without having to arch the body. The gymnast can't arch and twist, which is why the drill is so important.
February 18, 2011
The following clip shows a drill that helps gymnasts learn the Kasamatsu. At first, the gymnasts get familiar with performing a cartwheel into the pit. Then, as they improve, they add a side somersault. The next step would be to add a quarter twist. Now they are ready for the Kasamatsu.
February 11, 2011
The Carballo begins like an in-bar endo. After passing through the bottom with a full deep pike compression, the gymnast performs a strong pull to support. He releases the rail when the shoulders have moved up beyond the horizontal bar. During the flying phase, the athlete travels toward the vertical and performs a straddle cut. He then extends with the aim of grabbing the bar in an undergrip while the body is as close to a handstand as possible. The in-bar pike circle is performed with speed and deep compression. Observe how the bar is released while the shoulders are moving higher than the horizontal bar. Notice the strong pulling action coming up from the in-bar circle.
