February 3, 2011
To learn this uneven bar release the gymnasts first must develop powerful and consistent free hips to handstand. Still - The shoulder angle opening becomes a dynamic body throw as the bent wrists straighten while the hands release the rail. Still 2 - Notice how the wrists shift is combined with letting go of the bar so the body weight never settles on top of the rail which will kill the flying momentum. Still 3 - During the release initiation the center of mass must be on the side of the low bar closer to the upper rail. Notice also how the visual contact is already established at this point. Still 4 - And continuous through the whole flying phase. The amount of piking when swinging down should be just enough for the feet to clear the low rail. 2nd clip - This gymnast is still in the process of refining the skill and needs some improvement on her flying phase to diminish the amount of pike down. Check another one of her shaposnikova examples where she is also practicing shoot over timers in preparation to combine both skills.
February 3, 2011
In this spotting approach the coach is assisting from the opposite side of the gymnast's free hip initiation and helping to assure that the athlete has enough flying momentum toward the upper rail and that her body, legs, and heels do not hit the lower bar. To be able to help the gymnast move over, he is standing on a block of adequate height so he can effectively reach her closer arm and her lower back. He also has properly placed extra mats under the bar to minimize any fall if she misses her upper bar re-grasp. Before a gymnast progresses to this learning stage, they must know how to perform the flying phase clearing a single rail and landing on a loose foam pit. Also, during that earlier stage the coach spots heavier until he is sure she is clearing the bar with a great degree of proficiency.
February 3, 2011
Before any athlete starts learning a Shaposnykova release to catch the upper rail, or a Hindorf, they must demonstrate a consistent ability to perform powerful free-hip handstands. Once they have proven they are capable, they can begin training this drill where the goal is to finish the free-hip with an open shoulder angle and the center of mass slightly beyond the vertical support.
