February 3, 2011
Clip 1 - For a Gaylord 2, on the last giant before the release instead of a tap over the the bar holding a hollow position, many gymnasts perform a tap, and with the body changing shapes, from the hollow candle stick to tight arch position before reaching the vertical line. One of the goals of this technique is to lift the bar rail up to produce stronger bar reactions while the gymnast also focuses on a powerful and clean sweeping through the bottom tap, and establishing visual contact with the bar. From the tight arch swing, the tap returns the body to a candle stick and the rail is let go when the shoulders are closed to reach the bar height keeping visual contact with the bar while performing a cruise action to an undergrip re-grasp.
February 3, 2011
Coaches and gymnast must always communicate what they plan to do before each training attempt. In this case, a very experienced coach and his elite athlete have agreed that the sting mats will on be slid on the bar if the release timers show signs of trouble. This coach pays close attention to each performance and is ready to slide the mats if the gymnast needs the extra support. Notice how the giant taps for Gaylord 2 and Cassinas.
February 3, 2011
As the gymnast increases the difficulty of their skills they should also continue developing their air sense to know where they are during many different skills. Another important thing to learn is to bail out safely when making a mistake that causes them to fall off the equipment. Notice how this gymnast controls the rotation of his Gaylord 2 so that when he misses the skill he safely lands on the ground.
