This skill begins from a back giant. In the lower vertical position, the gymnast starts piking from the hips and the back, at the same time the shoulder angle should be extended. Around the upper vertical position, the gymnast should place the soles of their feet onto the bar. There are two modifications of this skill, one with the legs together and one with the legs in a straddle. When performing in a straddle, the athlete should place their feet close to their hands in a shorter straddle. The whip of the legs should be aggressive enough to ensure acceleration for the successive sole circle. Before finishing the circle in the upper vertical position, the gymnast should start pressing to a handstand. The toe-on toe-off is essential for Japanese Tap and Stalder.
From a seated straddle position on the floor, place the hands at shoulder width, tighten the arms and raise straight legs over horizontal. Begin to raise the legs in a straddled pike position and simultaneously clean the shoulder angle. When reaching the vertical with the arms, the shoulders and the body should be in one line. Gradually begin to raise the legs and finish in a handstand with legs together. During the execution, the legs and arms are completely tight.
This drill begins from a standing position in a straddle. Lower the body down to the ground with tight legs and arm straight up toward the head with an open shoulder angle. From that position, the gymnast performs a backward roll with tight legs and arms. During the drill, the body is in a straddled pike position. The drill should finish with the gymnast standing with their body leaned down to the floor.
This is similar to the previous drill (piked backward roll straddle) but the gymnast should finish in a pancake position.
This drill is a modification of the endo press to handstand. When reaching vertical in a straddled pike, roll forward and finish the drill in a straddled L-sit. Repeat several times.
For the toe-on toe-off it’s essential that the gymnast has hip flexibility. Stand behind the swedish wall/stall bar in a straddle position. Lower the body down in a straddled pike and place the hands on the rail. Lean the body in the opposite direction of the wall.
In front support on the bar, the gymnast performs a slight cast and places the soles of their feet onto the rail. In the downswing, they should push back on the bar from their shoulders (creating a long half circle). The coach assists during the circle and provides the rotation around the bar.
Once the gymnast acquires the knowledge and experience of the circle with the coach, next step is to do it alone.
It’s recommended to perform the toe on toe off with straps first because it is easier.
The gymnast should first perform the sole circle without pressing to handstand. It will help the gymnast to feel the circle better, and understand the timing of the toe off move.
Integral part of gymnastics coaching process are skill drills. They help gymnasts to learn easier and technically correct. With GYM DRILL PRO you will find variety of ideas for the most the basic gymnastics skills. There are plenty of images with skill drill progressions. It is intended to support explicitly the qualified coaches in their daily coaching business. DO NOT practice without the guidance of proper professionals.