Performing cuts on the horse is only possible if the gymnast is already deeply familiar with the swings on pommel horse and can perform them with the correct technique. Together with the raising leg, the same side arm should push down on the pommel and transfer the body weight onto the opposite pommel. At the highest point of the swing, the hips move forward in the middle of the horse, the body is extended and slightly arched. In the downswing the leg transfers in front of the horse. The hand is placed down and holds the pommel. The pendulum swing continues with one leg forward and one leg backward. In the opposite swing, the back leg raises above the level of the head, the front leg raises above the horse, the body should be piked from the hips as small as possible. The upper body is directly at the center of the horse, and the hips rock exactly from left to right (along of the longitudinal axis of the horse). A common error is pulling the buttocks back behind the horse. When the swing turns in the initial direction, the hand pushes back on the pommel, the body transfers onto the opposite pommel, the frontal leg raises up above the head and turns back behind the horse. There are several topics in which the coach emphasize:
Keep the continuity and rhythm of the swing.
Transfer the body from one pommel to another.
The swings are exactly sideways along the longitude of the horse.
During the cuts and mixed leg swings, the hips should be directed in the center of the horse
The legs are wide open.
Straddle the legs sideways as wide as possible throughout the swing. The upper body stays upright throughout the swing. Hips are in, do not support a hollow body position. The straight body is moving in a front plane without any deviations. When gymnast lifts the left leg, the left arm pushes the left pommel and the center of gravity moves onto the right pommel/arm. Vice versa with the right leg lift.
The starting position is with one leg in front of the horse and one leg behind the horse. In the up swing, the same hand as the leading leg pushes back on the pommel and makes a hop. The body remains on the opposite arm supported by the second pommel. In the downswing, the hands regrip the pommel and in the opposite upswing the gymnast performs the same action viceversa.
The starting position is in upper arm support, with the legs open wide sideways. The gymnast performs pendulum swings left and right, with an exact straight body and wide open legs.
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.