FOR COACHES

What is the most comfortable side for a gymnast to twist to and what is the push leg and swing leg for him or her?

Usually these two things are connected. If a gymnast jumps on the springboard by pushing with her left leg and swinging right leg – “left” round off, “left” cartwheel, “left” side somersault, handspring from left leg will be the more comfortable than leading with the right leg.

And then this next very important thing is:

If a gymnast does “left” round off – he or she must learn “left” twist, otherwise this will create future problems.

For example:

Round off flick ½ twist («left”) walk out in to “right” round off – practically is very, very hard.

To find out the most comfortable side for turns and pushing you can use these very simple tests.

1. Check 3-5 times how gymnast steps onto the bench and steps over the bench from normal standing with legs together in front of bench.

2. Check 3-5 times jump over small piece of foam from 2-3 steps run-up.

This is just examples of tests. You can find out yours tests but don’t ask gymnast to do technically hard skills.