NEW TRENDS IN MEN’S GYMNASTICS

1. Introduction

A. Gymnastics Overview

1. Six areas of concern for Coaches – Six Men’s Apparatus ( FX,PH,SR,VT,PB HB )

2. Six areas of supplemental Learning
a. Strength and Endurance
b Flexibility
c. Air Sense
d. Mental Preparation
e. Dance
f. General Information
i) Nutrition
ii) Judging Gymnastics
iii) Philosophy of Coaching


II. New Trends Derived from Supplemental Learning Areas

A. Upper Torso Flexibility and Strength

i) Highly developed in current world class gymnasts
ii) Creates very effective beat swings on apparatus
iii) Creates effective lifts on FX
iv) Creates very pleasing aesthetics lines on PH,PB HB
v) Strength Drills
a) PH lifts in arch-up position
b) PH lifts in sit-up position
c) Partner sit-up ( hollow-up that avoids partner’s touch )
vi) Flexibility Drills
a) Bridge that in-locates upper back
b) Hollow and arch in prone position

B. The Use of Dance in Floor Exercise

1. FX moving away from robotic years of Ditiatin, Andrianov
2. Dance Elements creates Creativity, originality and Virtuosity )
3. Areas of Development
a) Head, Shoulders, arms, finger awareness
b) Focus
c) Rhythm through FX corners and side pass
( e.g. energetic to soft – Li Ning )
d) Original Shapes – Jesus Rivera
4. Dance elements and a new dimension to FX