What is twisting?

Answer 1

A full twisting back layout is not easy to learn because it takes a good dela of time and effort, but if the student is willing to do the drills and learn related skills that are necessary to make learning a full safer and easier, then it is very possible. Depending on the coach, a full can be taught a number of ways. First, a coach asks the student to take off for a back layout and then simply reach around towards the direction of twist to execute the full, which means the coach will have to catch them (spot) if something goes wrong, which is usually does during the first attempts. Learning a full this way takes a much more time and involves lots of spotting by a coach. There are easier ways to learn a full. The most straight-forward method is a late twisting technique. It is recommended that the student practice on a trampoline, or from a tumble tramp inot a foam pit with a soft landing mat laid across the foam blocks. In this method the student executes a back layout, keeping the arms up (but not necessarily high) overhead. When the gymnast spots (sees) the ground at the end of the layout they must look (in the direction of the twist*) for a spot on the wall directly behind them while raising their arms up at the same time. The gymnast should land facing the opposite direction of their takeoff and with their arms raised and looking at a specific point on the wall, preferrably at head height or slightly higher. It is important that the gymnast practice this layout with a half twist enough times that become familiar and comfortable practicing this skill. Normally it takes a couple of days of practice, if not more. It depends on the individual and how prepared they are to do the necessary work. Once a layout with a half twist is consistent, then the student can begin to add a little more twist at the end of the layout. (Note: do not change the beginning of the skill at takeoff. This creates problems and slows learning.) At the same moment that the gymnast spots the ground to execute a half twist, this time instead of looking for a spot on the wall behind them the gymnast looks for a spot on the next wall that is in the same direction* as the layout half. Once the student sees the ground, they should look for the point on the wall that represents and 3/4 twist and raise the arms in the same manner as in the layout-half. Again, the student must practice this skill a good deal until it can be performed consistently and with little hesitation. Make sure not to look at the ground during the twist, this prevents the twist from completing and is disorienting to the gymnast. Once the 3/4 twist can be performed consistentlythe next step is the add another 1/4 twist, or in some cases an 1/8 twist. It depends on the individual. To add another 1/4 twist the gymnast performs the same layout as with the half and 3/4 twist, but when they spot the ground at the end of the layout, they turn their head in the direction of the twist* and look for the same spot on the ground, raising the arms during the twist. The timing of the twist is directly connected to the raising of the arms. This is important because there are more steps that are necessary in order to completely learn this skill. Note: At this point many gymnasts may not be performing the layout high enough to have enough time to complete the twist before landing. Then the basic layout should be practiced without any twist until it is higher, but not rotating any faster. It is important to know that when twists are added to a layout, the flip rotates faster. This means that in order to land safely the gymnast has to actually rotate a little less than during a basic layout. Adding the twist will speeds the rotation enough to compete the layout with a full twist even though it may feel as though the flip is not rotating enough at or just after the takeoff. Be sure the that the student uses a soft skill cushion at least 8-inches thick when practicing these skills. This is vital to learning the skill safely. Also, do not rush or attempt to take shortcuts to this skill. There are no real shortcuts and the gymnast will only become frustrated and possibly injure themselves as a result of rushing the process. This drill can be practiced on the floor ex mat (spring floor only) or on a trampoline, and under the supervision of a qualified coach. I recommend that students learn, and practice, a full twisting layout on trampoline first. Once learned it is simple to transfer a new skill to a the floor. It is far easier on the body of the gymnast because they can practice much more and not become as tired. Also the odds of injury are decreased. Students can take many more turns and practice longer which makes learning the skill faster and safer than on the floor mat or tumbling surface. Once a layout with a full twist is accomplished, it can be polished by learning to change how the arms are used during the twist. But for now it is important to use the arms as outlined in this method. How to change the timing and use of the arms can be covered at another time. Good luck.