The purpose of this study was to provide descriptive and comparative data on skilled and unskilled giant swings on parallel bars. Based on limited results of the present study, it is concluded that giants on the parallel bars are performed in a similar manner as in other apparatuses subject to unique limitations imposed by apparatus` height and bars` orientation. Comparative data between a skilled and an unskilled giant showed that there may be no substantial or critical performance difference in the downswing, i.e. gymnasts in this phase attempt to gain as much angular momentum as possible by attaining an extended body position. A skilled giant, however, may require more shoulder joint motion (extension) in the first quadrant (first part of the downswing) and no hip joint hyperextension throughout the downswing. In the upswing, in order to reduce the moment of inertia to a level that enables the gymnast to effectively pull the body toward the hands and complete the skill, a deeper and prolonged knee joint flexion may be necessary. Otherwise, the body`s rotation and upward swing may "stall" and the gymnast may be forced to pull the hands toward the body, regrasp the bar, and push with flexed elbows as he rotates. Of course, flexed elbows are a deduction and may be the primary means of observing the results of a deficient upswing.
© Copyright 2007 coachesinfo.com. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.