Gymnastics Elements: Execution Tips for Perfect Scores

1. 5) Execution judging – a change of view Four Key areas of an element needed • Take off’s • Shapes • Twists • Exits

2. Take off • As straight as possible should not show shape (phasing) • Lifting • Using the elasticity of the bed • Arms as straight on take off as possible

3. Shapes • Physical requirement for greater flexibility • Depth of shape (Pike in particular) • Tightness of shapes • Hand contact – shins – ankles • Fast into the shape - fast out • In doubles without twist - same expectations as singles. • Multiple twisting doubles – should display clear shapes as tight as possible in the same way as singles - to get full marks!

4. Twisting • Twisting should be done in the middle phase of the element. • Arms on twisting should be straight and near to the body as possible. • Crossed arms (rudi’s Rbo) are now far less acceptable than straight ‘lined’ out arms. Mark accordingly. • The twisting phase should be complete by the 2 o’clock to 3 o’clock stage. Later than this needs a deduction. • Doubles with twist - should be treated in the same way as singles • There should be no twisting in the last phase of the somersault.

5. Exits • Timing of the kick out before the last phase - should be before the end of the middle phase, preferably at “12” o’clock • The last phase should be straight all the way into the bed and lined out with armsclose to the body. • Piking in during the last phase should be deducted • The body should land as near upright as possible • Not holding a straight body or lined out arms in the last phase should be deductable.

6. Perfection • Straight at take off • Delay before the shape • No travel • Deep shape - no arched body • 12 o’clock exit • Body held straight all the way into the bed • Twists completed before the final phase • Pointed fingers and toes, head aligned