April 14, 2011
Gymnasts that have mastered straight body jumps moving along the length of the beam can start training this variation where they combine tight arch jumps with hollow shape jumps. Besides helping the athletes to continue developing their balance and confidence, these jumps also help to refine body shaping accuracy, landing stability and other execution and presentation aspects like keeping straight legs and the feet pointing during airtime.
April 14, 2011
These kinds of activities are good challenges to master during warm ups or gymnastics dance periods. During each jump the legs straighten and the feet switch back and forth to end in the same position that the jump began. After several repetitions the gymnasts change the feet position so they can practice the other side. Some of the main goals are to maintain a vertical body position in the air and while landing on the ground plus keeping the stomach in and the buttocks also tucked-in through the whole skill.
April 14, 2011
The little switch drill is another basic activity to develop jumping confidence on the beam. The feet should be facing forward and not turned in during take off and especially during landings. The gymnast should also concentrate on proper posture and form presentation while standing up on the beam or during the flying phases of the jumps.
April 14, 2011
Gymnasts that already know how to perform straight jumps up in place may begin practicing 1/4 turn jumps as an introductory drill for more complex 1/2, 3/4 and full turn jumps.
April 14, 2011
As on the floor the tuck jump on the beam is described as bringing the knees horizontal or higher at peak height. Taking off and landing is performed with one foot slightly in front of the other. As the gymnasts get better they can kick out after reaching the peak height of the tuck. The kick out is done quickly so the athlete has time to bend the knees during the landing. Observe this gymnast's quick kick out.
March 8, 2011
Practicing straddle L to endo presses on beam is a good drill to develop balance, body control and strength. One of the gymnast's goals must be to show a good straddle L, and also move in and out of that position with as much compression as possible. If a gymnast is planning to use the straddle L press as a beam mount, they must remember to keep the chin up on the straddle before starting the press to enhance the skill's presentation.
March 8, 2011
When a gymnast performs this combination, some of the goals are to show the V with the legs pointing up close to vertical. Then continue to show a straddle press with straight arms and eventually a good handstand.
March 8, 2011
This is an interesting mount that can usually be accomplished without too much trouble. Starting on the spring board, the athlete jumps up and a little back, straddling the legs as much as possible and quickly placing the hands on the apparatus.
March 8, 2011
To perform this skill the gymnast must first be able to execute a front tuck from the board onto elevated soft surfaces as high as the beam. To develop the front tuck mount and to warm up the skill, the gymnast may practice runs to the spring board and perform a straight jump to land on the beam. The final goal is to perform the skill safely and consistently on the regular competition beam.
March 1, 2011
The full turns are performed on the beam following the same technical motions as the floor exercises. The turn is initiated moving the body in one single unit from the head and shoulders to the feet where the back foot not only pushes off the equipment to transfer the body support to the front foot, but also anchors the turning direction during the push off. The Stomach and buttocks are kept tucked in aiming to perform the turn with the body as straight as possible. Making a high front kick before the full turn initiation adds flair and maximizes the skill's set up. When the full turn is being set up, one arm usually stays in front of the body at chest height or slightly higher and the opposite arm stays on the side or a little further back. To start the skill the arm on the side should never make a jerky swing forward like it was the source creating the whole turn. It should instead flow smoothly toward its turning place often joining the other arm in front or with both arms moving up above the head.
