The Twisting Dilemma

Written by Joseph Marx

In the intricate world of gymnastics, the nuances of twisting techniques and their impact on an athlete's performance are both fascinating and complex. This article delves into the critical distinctions between conventional and unconventional twisters, exploring how these styles influence a gymnast's progression, particularly in skills like the Barani and various vault types. We also examine the implications of teaching methods on a gymnast's twisting direction and the pivotal role of coaches in guiding their athletes towards maximizing their potential while maintaining consistency in technique. Join us as we unravel these technical intricacies, shedding light on the subtle yet significant aspects of gymnastic coaching and skill development.

The Round-Off: Understanding its True Twist Direction

The round-off is a foundational skill, but its mechanics are often misunderstood. Many coaches, including gymnasts themselves, assume that the round-off twists in the direction of the stepping leg. This assumption is largely due to the gymnast’s body movements during the skill: as they step forward, their head turns, and their hands rotate as if steering a wheel towards the stepping leg’s direction. This creates a perception that the twist follows this direction.

The Reality of the Twist

However, the actual twist in a round-off occurs in the opposite direction of the stepping leg. To understand this, consider a gymnast performing a right-stepping round-off. While it might appear that they are twisting to the right, their body is, in fact, twisting to the left.

A simple yet effective way to determine the true twist direction of a round off is by observing the gymnast’s midsection. As a coach or observer, stand to the right of the gymnast as they execute the round-off. Pay close attention to their belly during the skill. If their belly turns to face you, it indicates that the gymnast is twisting to the right, despite stepping forward with the left leg.

Conventional vs. Unconventional Twisters in Gymnastics

The terms “conventional” and “unconventional” twisters describe two distinct styles of twisting configurations between the round off and somersault twist. Understanding these styles is crucial for both gymnasts and coaches, as they form the foundation of many advanced gymnastic techniques.

Conventional twisters are gymnasts who twist in opposite directions in their round-offs and somersaults. This means if a gymnast performs a round-off stepping forward with their left leg and twists to the right, they will twist to the left in their somersaults.

Unconventional twisters, in contrast, twist in the same direction in both their round-offs and somersaults. For these gymnasts, a right twist in a left-stepping round-off will be followed by a right twist in their somersaults as well.

Notable Unconventional Twisters:

- Simone Biles

- Mikayla Skinner

These gymnasts exemplify the unconventional style, maintaining the same direction of twist in both their round-offs and somersaults.

Teaching a Barani as a Round-Off With No Hands: Understanding the Impact

Instructing a gymnast to perform a Barani as if it’s a round-off with no hands is a common coaching method. This technique, however, has significant implications for a gymnast’s twist directions, especially for those with a natural inclination towards being a conventional twister.

Let’s consider a gymnast who does a left-stepping round-off, which actually is a right twisting round off. Teaching them a Barani as a round off with no hands aligns with the round offs twist direction. This method inadvertently sets them on the path of becoming an unconventional twister, where their somersaults all twist in the same direction - to the right in this case.

The challenge arises for gymnasts who are naturally conventional twisters. Conventional twisters typically twist in opposite directions in their round-offs and somersaults. So, a gymnast with a left-stepping round-off (twisting right) would instinctively want to twist left in their backward somersaults.

When performing a full twisting backward somersault, a gymnast that steps forwards on their left in their round offs might start the somersault with a left twist, consistent with their natural inclination as a conventional twister. However, the confusion arises in the second half of the somersault. This part closely resembles a Barani, a skill they’ve been taught to perform with a right twist. The conflicting muscle memory and training can lead to disorientation, potentially causing the gymnast to switch twist directions mid-somersault. This not only disrupts the completion of a full twist but can also lead to performance errors and safety concerns.

The method of teaching a Barani as a round-off with no hands must be approached with caution, particularly for gymnasts naturally inclined to be conventional twisters. Coaches need to consider the gymnast’s instinctive twisting direction and ensure consistency in the teaching of twisting techniques. This careful consideration is crucial for the gymnast’s development, allowing them to perform complex skills safely and effectively.

Consistency in Twisting Directions in somersaults

The importance of matching twist directions in both forward and backward somersaults cannot be overstated. This consistency is essential for a gymnast's technical development and safety. Often, issues with mismatched twisting directions arise when gymnasts, particularly conventional twisters, are taught skills like the Barani as if it's a round-off with no hands. This can inadvertently lead them to adopt a twist direction in forward somersaults that conflicts with their natural direction in backward somersaults.

Addressing this problem is most effectively done by focusing on forward somersaults, as they typically allow for easier adjustment of the twist direction. It's crucial for coaches to recognize and correct any discrepancies early in training. The role of the coach is pivotal in identifying these issues and guiding the gymnast towards a consistent twisting technique. This guidance ensures that the gymnast develops a coherent and safe skill set, vital for their progression in the sport.

What Determines Somersault Twist Direction?

The determination of a gymnast's somersault twist direction is a complex process that starts early in their training, primarily influenced by their initial cartwheel direction. Here's an insight into how this progression unfolds:

1. Cartwheel Direction as the Starting Point: The direction in which a gymnast learns their cartwheel is often the first significant decision in their twisting journey. This preference sets the stage for their future skills. For instance, a gymnast who naturally performs a cartwheel with their right hand leading typically progresses to a right-stepping round-off, establishing a foundational pattern for later skills.

2. Round-Off Perception and Its Influence: The round-off direction, influenced by the initial cartwheel, plays a crucial role in determining the gymnast's twist direction in somersaults. The actual twist in a round-off may be counterintuitive; for example, in a right-stepping round-off (right hand down first), the gymnast is technically twisting to the left. However, it might be perceived as a rightward twist. This perceived twist direction often becomes the basis for the gymnast's preference in somersaults, where they align their somersault twist with the perceived direction of their round-off.

3. Barani Training and Its Role in Twist Direction: The way gymnasts are coached to perform a barani can significantly influence their twisting direction. If they are taught to perform a barani as the same direction as their round-off, it can lead to a twist pattern that aligns with their round-off direction. This can create a scenario where a gymnast twists in the same direction in both the round-off and the somersault. Encouraging them to be an unconventional twister,

4. The Role of Early Training and Coaching: The progression from cartwheel to round-off and then to somersaults underlines the importance of early skill acquisition in gymnastics. Coaches need to be aware of how a gymnast's initial experiences with cartwheels and round-offs can set the pattern for their twist direction in more complex skills like somersaults. Adapting coaching techniques to suit each gymnast's natural twist preference is crucial for their development and mastery of advanced skills.

In essence, the determination of a gymnast's somersault twist direction is a journey that begins with their earliest gymnastic experiences. The direction of their initial cartwheel, their perception of the round-off twist, and the coaching strategies employed in teaching subsequent skills like the barani all play significant roles in shaping this aspect of a gymnast's skill set.

Twisting Styles and Tsuk Vault Progressions: Conventional vs. Unconventional

The Kazamatsu and Tsuk Full (also known as the Kim) are two distinct types of “Tsuk Full” vaults, each suited to different twisting styles of gymnasts.

Kazamatsu: The Choice for Conventional Twisters

The Kazamatsu vault is characterized by the gymnast’s twist following the same direction as their leading hand. For example, if a gymnast leads with their left hand and twists left, they are performing a Kazamatsu. This vault involves a movement pattern that feels more like a quarter on to the vault and three-quarters off. It is generally perceived as easier, resembling a front half twist more than a full back twist. A key aspect of performing a successful Kazamatsu is the ability to spot the landing before completing the final half twist.

Suitability for Conventional Twisters

The Kazamatsu is particularly suited for conventional twisters, who twist in opposite directions in their round-offs and somersaults. This vault allows them to utilize their natural twisting ability effectively.

Tsuk Full (Kim): The Unconventional Twisters’ Vault

On the other hand, the Tsuk Full, or Kim, is the opposite. This vault is executed when the gymnast leads with one hand but twists in the opposite direction. For instance, leading with the left hand but twisting right signifies a Tsuk Full. Unlike the Kazamatsu, the Tsuk Full demands a different set of skills and preparation. A strong open-tucked Tsuk and comfort with front half-in, full-out maneuvers on a trampoline are beneficial for mastering this vault.

Why It’s Different for Unconventional Twisters

The Tsuk Full is more aligned with the style of unconventional twisters, who twist in the same direction in both their round-offs and somersaults. This vault challenges them to employ their consistent twist direction in a more complex vaulting technique.

The Kazamatsu and Tsuk Full (Kim) represent two distinct pathways in advanced vaulting techniques, each catering to either conventional or unconventional twisters. Understanding these differences is crucial for gymnasts and coaches to choose the vault that aligns best with the gymnast’s natural abilities and training background.

Considerations for Vault Progression: Tsuk Full (Kim) vs. Kazamatsu

The choice between the Tsuk Full (Kim) and Kazamatsu holds strategic importance, especially for unconventional twisters.

The Challenge with Tsuk Full (Kim)

The Tsuk Full, known in gymnastics circles as the Kim, presents a unique challenge. Despite being valued the same as the Kazamatsu, the Kim is inherently more difficult to perform. It requires a gymnast to execute an additional half twist compared to the Kazamatsu. This increased complexity, without the benefit of higher scoring potential, can make it a less advantageous choice for gymnasts, particularly those who are unconventional twisters.

Rethinking Vault Progression for Unconventional Twisters: Beyond Tsuk Full and Kazamatsu

When it comes to vault selection for unconventional twisters, coaches should consider a broader range of options beyond just the Tsuk Full (Kim) and Kazamatsu. These vaults, while significant, may not always align perfectly with the twisting style and capabilities of unconventional gymnasts.

Exploring Alternatives: Yurchenkos and Front Handspring Vaults

• Yurchenko Vaults: These vaults involve a round-off entry onto the board, followed by a back handspring onto the vault and a salto off.

• Front Handspring Vaults: These vaults involve a front handspring onto the vault, followed by a salto off.

The Role of Coaches in Vault Selection

Coaches play a pivotal role in guiding gymnasts through their vaulting journey. For unconventional twisters, it is crucial to recognize early on that pursuing a Tsuk Full (Kim) might not be the most strategic path. Instead, exploring other vault options that align more closely with their twisting abilities and offer more favorable scoring opportunities is recommended.

The Cheng vault

The Cheng vault, while performable by both unconventional and conventional twisters, presents differing challenges and advantages for each.

For unconventional twisters, the Cheng requires generating more height from the board rather than relying on the push from the vault. This demand for additional height can make the vault more challenging and necessitates a focus on power and technique during the round-off and take-off phases.

Conventional twisters typically find it easier to execute the Cheng with a better entry onto the vault. Their ability to twist in the other direction allows for a more natural and efficient approach to the half-on onto the vault, important for the Cheng.

The choice between being a conventional or an unconventional twister profoundly affects a gymnast’s approach to vaulting. While conventional twisters have a broader range of vaults accessible to them, unconventional twisters often face limitations and must strategically choose their vaults based on their twisting style.

Addressing Blind Change & Top Turns for Conventional Twisters on Uneven Bars

On the uneven bars, conventional twisters face a complex challenge in integrating certain skills into their routines. This particularly pertains to combining various types of blind changes with top turns.

Types of Blind Changes:

• Toe-Off Blind Change: Involves a sole circle, followed by a toe-off leading into a half-turn and a handstand.

• Clear to handstand Blind change: clear to handstand with a half turn bling change

• Stalder and piked stalder Blind Change: Combines a Stalder with a half-turn transitioning into a handstand.

• Standard Blind Change: A half-turn from a giant or swing into a handstand.
  
  

For conventional twisters, mastering both directions in top turns and Elgrip turns is crucial, especially for combining skills like blind changes with top turns on uneven bars.

Combination Limitations with Single Direction Training:

• Difficulty in Skill Integration: Conventional twisters who only learn top turns and Elgrip turns in the direction of their round-off may struggle to smoothly transition from a blind change into a top turn. This is because blind changes typically follow the direction of somersaults, not round-offs, leading to a mismatch in the flow of the routine.

Solution: Emphasizing Dual-Direction Training:

• Improved Routine Fluidity: Learning both directions enables conventional twisters to execute transitions seamlessly, particularly between blind changes and top turns. This skill is vital for maintaining the rhythm and technical precision of their routines.

• Enhanced Versatility: This training approach broadens their skill set, allowing for more diverse and complex routine compositions.

Teaching conventional twisters to perform top turns and L grip turns in both directions is essential for successfully integrating skills like blind changes into their uneven bars routines. This training strategy not only enhances their performance but also prepares them for the diverse technical demands of competitive gymnastics.

The Impact of Twisting Styles on round-off leading directly into a backward twisting somersault

Conventional Twisters and Contact Twisting

For conventional twisters, who twist in the opposite direction of their round-off, there’s a unique advantage when performing a round-off directly into a twisting somersault. Let’s consider a gymnast who steps with their left foot in a round-off, naturally twisting to the right, but then twists to the left in their backward somersault. This opposite direction of the round-off and the twist creates an effective use of contact twisting.

Understanding Contact Twisting

When a conventional twister hits the floor in one twisting direction (right, in our example) and then immediately twists in the opposite direction (left) for the somersault, they effectively use the floor’s contacts reaction force to enhance their twisting motion. This technique helps in generating additional rotational force, making the twist more powerful and efficient.

Challenges for Unconventional Twisters

Lack of Contact Twisting Advantage

Unconventional twisters, who twist in the same direction in both their round-offs and somersaults, do not benefit from this contact twisting phenomenon. Since their round-off and subsequent twist are in the same direction, they miss out on the added rotational force that can be harnessed from the floor reaction. This lack of additional twisting force means that unconventional twisters must rely more on their own muscular power and technique to generate the necessary twist momentum.

Conclusion on different twisting styles

It’s crucial to clarify that unconventional twisters are not twisting the ‘wrong’ way. In fact, there is no incorrect method when it comes to the direction of twisting – whether conventional or unconventional. The key lies in recognizing and appreciating these differences, as they have distinct impacts on a gymnast’s progression and performance, particularly at the elite level.

The Significance of Distinguishing Twisting Styles

Different Pathways for Development

Conventional and unconventional twisters often follow different developmental pathways in gymnastics. This divergence is especially evident in skills progression, choice of techniques, and in mastering specific apparatus like the vault and uneven bars.

Impact on Elite Performance

At elite levels of competition, the distinction between these twisting styles becomes more pronounced. It influences the selection of skills and routines that gymnasts can perform efficiently and competitively. For instance, certain vaults may be more suited to one style over the other, directly affecting scoring potential and performance consistency.

Embracing Individual Twisting Styles

Acknowledging and embracing a gymnast’s natural twisting style – whether conventional or unconventional – is essential in their training. This understanding allows coaches to tailor their approach to each gymnast, ensuring that they are equipped with the right techniques and skills that align with their inherent abilities.

Personalized Training Approaches

A personalized training approach based on the gymnast’s twisting style can significantly enhance their performance, especially in higher levels of competition. It ensures that gymnasts are not only learning skills that suit their natural style but also advancing in a direction that maximizes their potential and competitive edge.

The distinction between conventional and unconventional twisters is not about right or wrong but about understanding and adapting to different gymnastic styles. This awareness is crucial in guiding gymnasts through their journey, especially as they progress to higher levels of competition, where the nuances of their twisting style can profoundly impact their success and performance.