KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF THE BACK SALTO TAKE-OFF IN A TUMBLING SERIES: ADVANCED VS. BEGINNER TECHNIQUES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to differentiate techniques used by beginner and advanced level gymnasts in the take-off of a back salto preceded by a round-off back handspring. Six gymnasts performed multiple trials of the tumbling series, in which horizontal and vertical velocities of the center of mass were calculated, take-off and flight times investigated, and peak heights derived from the analysis. It was found that the advanced gymnasts did possess lower horizontal and higher vertical velocities, shorter take-off times, longer flight times, and higher saltos than the beginning gymnasts.