February 1, 2011
As soon as the novice gymnasts can perform regular walks across the beam with a fair level of safe proficiency they can start training different variations to develop posture balance and presentation. Like in this example showing a locked knee with the foot pointing on each step then showing the walk with the arms up on a crown instead of straight out on the sides. It is important to always keep the arms vertical. Both kinds of walks can also be performed in tall releves to increase balance development. Always focus on keeping a good gymnastics posture with the stomach and buttocks tucked in. The eyes may keep contact with the apparatus as long as the head is not dropping out of line with the rest of the body. Eventually the arms positions can be combined during the walks on each step changing from straight arms out to crown up and vice versa. The arm motions from one position to the other can be coordinated with the hands fingers and chin to add flair and elegance to the execution.
February 1, 2011
As the novice gymnasts improve their balance and confidence training different kinds of walks and other basic skills each of these activities can be refined and upgraded from simple back walks. The athlete must be guided to develop more challenging variations. In this case the legs swing backwards to a tight arch on every step and the gymnasts must focus on keeping the knees locked, the stomach in, and the arms and the body as stable as possible minimizing wobbles and hesitations.
February 1, 2011
Performing side walks on the balance beam is a good drill for beginner and novice gymnasts that want to improve their balance, posture and presentation.
February 1, 2011
In this basic variation to train balance, body posture, and presentation, the gymnast must walk in a tall releve to increase the balancing challenge. They must also focus on keeping a vertical body line with the buttocks, hips, and stomach tucked in to continue re-firming their posture and control.
February 1, 2011
During beam training the gymnasts should practice different kinds of walks jumps and other basic skills that help to develop an increase in balance, clean body lines, and elegant execution. The basic front kicks must swing up horizontal or higher, but always keeping the support leg straight, and the body in a vertical line without piking forward or arching back. As in any other dance skill, the stomach and buttocks are tucked in. The head stays neutral or with the chin slightly up. Performing in a tall releve increases the challenge to keep a steady balance.
February 1, 2011
Coaches may add different challenges and variations to basic training. Here we offer a couple of extra walks and kick combinations. In this example when the gymnast steps forward she raises the back leg to a tight arch while she performs a demiplie. Then she swings the same leg forward to a high front kick as the support leg extends to releve. In this second variation the gymnast performs front kicks, where the support leg raises to a tall releve and the foot of the free bent leg moves from a couppe to a passe position, ending with a high kick straightening the knee.
