This skill starts in the backswing up to a momentary hold in the handstand. During the handstand, the gymnast should transfer their body and place one hand onto the other bar. They should release with their second hand and dismount over the bar. The body should be extended without any shoulder angle. The gymnast should emphasize on transferring the body in handstand onto one of the bars.
The swing on parallel bars is divided into front and back sections. During the forward portion of the swing, the gymnast should ensure that their body is not piked. As the body approaches the bottom of the swing the gymnast should maintain a slightly arched position from their chest. At this point the gymnast should kick their heels behind them, creating a slight arch in their body. Correct execution of the swing technique at the bottom generates a powerful forward and upward motion. As the gymnast’s swing gets higher and they begin to reach handstand, their body should become straight.
The handstand on parallel bars is an “A” difficulty skill. It’s a common connection skill in most optional routines. It also exists in the level 5 routine as a bonus. In order to perform the skill on the bars, the bar’s width should be fixed at the proper distance (usually at the width of the gymnast’s shoulders). A handstand involves holding a tight body position in an inverted vertical position, balancing on one’s hands. The most basic form of a handstand involves the arms and legs being completely straight. The feet should remain together. This makes balancing easier. During the handstand, the glutei and back should be tight, and the head should be in a neutral position, with the eyes watching the hands. It’s very important not to watch the hands with the head back, as this can lead to arching through the entire back. The shoulder angle should be completely straight, and the body should be stretched. As the handstand improves, more difficult modifications of the skill can be performed.
The gymnast should draw two lines on the floor using chalk or tape, imitating the bars. During the handstand, the athlete should transfer the body from both lines onto one line only, and place their hands on it. This drill can also be done on parallelettes. In the beginning, the drill can be done with a spotter.
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.