LANDING STRATEGY MODULATION IN BACKWARD ROTATING PIKED AND TUCKED SOMERSAULT DISMOUNTS FROM BEAM

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop understanding of the landing strategy modifications made when performing backward rotating piked (BP) and tucked (BT) dismounts from beam. Sagittal plane lower-body joint angular kinematic profiles were determined for four female gymnasts during the landing phase of BP and BT somersaulting dismounts. A common hip-biased landing strategy was employed by the four gymnasts in the dismounting skills. The more complex BP task was distinguished by the use of a more extended (3.7º) and flexed (5.0º) initial knee and hip joint configuration, respectively compared to the basic BT skill performed. Effective skill developments of backward rotating dismounts from beam may require modulation to the individual joint patterns defining the lower-body landing strategy.