Czech Circle Pommel Horse

Czech Circle / Moorse

This skill starts in the first half of the pommel circle. At the first quarter of the circle, the gymnast pushes very strongly sideways on the pommel. It helps to move the body onto the other pommel. When the second arm places the hand on the other pommel, the body should be transferred already on the second pommel. The turn around the pommel starts before the circle finishes, the heels are the driving part of the turn. The gymnast places both hands on the pommel longitudinally in front support. At that moment, they will have finished the first part of the skill, with a quarter turn of the Czech circle. The second part of the skill continues with pushing the hand sideways in the first quarter and at the same time, around the arms, concluding the half turn. The gymnast finishes the skill in rear support, with the hands on both pommels. The gymnast should emphasize on the beginning of the skill when the hand pushes strongly on the pommel in the first quarter of the circle. It transfers the body onto the pommel which allows for the skill to be performed.

Circles on Mushroom

The circle on mushroom is a basic drill for learning circles on pommel horse or beam. The gymnast should start learning circles early on in their career. This will help them develop higher quality circles with proper technique, because gymnasts can perform more repetitions overall if they start a younger age. To do this drill, the gymnast must first place their hands on the horizontal line across the mushroom. During the performance the athlete should not change this position of their hands. They should start in front support with their shoulders leaned slightly forward. They should face their hands forward with their fingers spread for better support. Next, they should step to the side opposite of their desired circle direction. The athlete does this opposite move, jumps in the desired direction, and closes their legs to start the circle. The entire circle should be performed with a completely straight body. There are several universal points that the gymnast should follow:

Maintain a completely extended circle with an open chest at first and third quarter;
The arms and legs should remain tight, no exceptions;
At the first quarter of the circle the base arm pushes the mushroom identically with the direction of the circle. In that quarter, the leading part of the body should be the hips. During the second quarter, the gymnast should put their other hand down, and finish the quarter in rear support;
In the third quarter, the gymnast should switch the support hand and start pushing down on the mushroom in the opposite direction from the circle trajectory. The leading part of the body during this phase are the heels;
In the fourth quarter, the gymnast should put their first hand back down on the mushroom and finish in front support. In order to assure continuity, the body should not touch the mushroom, and the shoulders should lean forward;
In the fourth quarter the gymnast put the first hand on the mushroom and finishes in front support. In order to assure continuity, the body should not touch the mushroom and the shoulder should lean forward.
During the execution of the skill, the shoulders lean in the opposite direction from the legs;
Developing a faster circle can help the gymnast lean less from their shoulders, maintain a straight body position easier, and raise their body higher above the mushroom (essential for performing floor circles, circles on the pommel horse, and beam).

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First Half of the Czech Circle on Mushroom

The gymnast should practice the first part of the Czech circle from either standing or one circle. There should be an emphasis on supporting the body over the center of the mushroom.

By Standing, Second Half of Czech Circle on Mushroom

Once the gymnast has learned the first part of the Czech circle, they should practice the second part from standing. The gymnast should place their hands backward and near one another. They should do a small jump and focus on pushing around with their support hand. The gymnast should attempt to circle out of the move.

Czech Circle on Mushroom

Once the gymnast is able to perform the first and second parts of the Czech circle, they should complete the skill in its entirety from a series of circles. It’s important that the gymnast completes a few circles after the skill as well.

First Half of the Czech Circle on Pommel Mushroom

Similar to the first half Czech circle drill on the mushroom, they gymnast should next attempt it on the pommel mushroom. The same rules apply for this drill. The only difference is that the gymnast will have to place their hands even closer together so that they can both be supported on the pommel.

By Standing, Second Half of Czech Circle on Pommel Mushroom

Similar to the second half Czech circle drill on the mushroom, the gymnast should next attempt it on the pommel mushroom. The gymnast should focus on learning correctly and reaching for the pommel. If the gymnast is able to, they should try to do a few circles afterward as well.

Czech Circle on Pommel Mushroom

The final step in the Czech circle drill progression is to attempt the skill in its entirety on the pommel mushroom. The gymnast should do a series of circles before and after the skill. Once the gymnast becomes familiar with this, panel mats can be added to the sides of the pommel mushroom. These panel mats will simulate the ends of the horse, and allow for an easier transition onto the pommel horse.

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.

Pommel Horse