Purpose Kinematic variables identify movement patterns and are used to compare successful versus unsuccessful performances that cause to better understanding of performance optimization techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the angular kinematic variables in successful and unsuccessful performances in gymnastic somersault for identifying the optimization performance of this technique. Materials and methods Eleven skillful male gymnasts (Avg. age 11.5 ± 3.7 years, height 123 ± 38.9cm, weight 36.5 ± 16.9kg and experience 4.64 ± 3.7 years) participated in this study. They were required to perform somersault and their performances were labeled as successful and unsuccessful performances according to referees` scores. Then, the recorded performances were analyzed and the desired kinematic parameters were calculated. Results The results showed that the average of ankle angles at two instances of initial contact and toe off were higher in successful performances than unsuccessful ones. Besides, the minimum values of hip and knee angles and also the maximum values of knee angles were significantly higher in successful performances. The shoulder angles at two instances of initial contact and toe off in successful performances were also found to be less than unsuccessful ones, but, the range of shoulder motion in successful performances were greater than unsuccessful performances. Conclusions According to the results of this study, the maximum and minimum values of the major joints involved in this technique, range of their motions, and angular velocities of them are identified as the effective factors in this technique.
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