A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE TRIPLE BACKWARD SOMERSAULT AND THE DOUBLE BACKWARD SOMERSAULT ON THE HIGH BAR

Abstract

Both the triple backward somersault in tuck position (TBS) and the double backward somersault in layout position (DBS) are considered the most difficult dismounts on the high bar. Although similarities and differences between TBS and DBS would be expected, they cannot be conclusive until relative data are compared. It would be beneficial for gymnasts and coaches to recognize the differences between TBS and DBS for performing both skills perfectly. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to investigate the differences between variables of the TBS and DBS. Five TBS and five DBS recorded during the 1990 United States Gymnastics Federation Championships with a NAC 400 HSV camera operating at 200 Hz, were analyzed utilizing an Ariel Performance Analysis System (APAS). Two dimensional position data of 6 body points (ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and hand) were digitally smoothed before being submitted to further analysis and kinematic and kinetic data were compared. Paired t tests (p<.01) between TBS and DBS variables indicated that : 1) the peak height of the center of gravity (COG) and the release angle of COG are larger in TBS than in DBS, while the horizontal displacement of the body from the bar is smaller in the TBS than that of DBS, 2) the vertical and resultant linear velocity, and the average and maximum angular velocity of the body are larger in TBS than in DBS, but the horizontal linear velocity of TBS is smaller than that of DBS, 3) the total flight time 0of TBS is larger than that of DBS, and in relation to the TFT, the COG reaches peak height earlier in TBS than in DBS, and 4) the angular momentum of TBS is larger than that of DBS. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the COG displacement from the bar at release and in the height of COG above the mats at landing between TBS and DBS, respectively.