TECHNIQUES TO START THE STOOP CIRCLE (ADLER) ON HIGH BAR

Abstract

The stoop circle rearward forward (Adler) is often performed by gymnasts on high bar. The final position, the handstand is a component of judges’ execution value. For the stoop circle only the final position is determined by the gymnastics rules. The start position is not declared. There are two main techniques to start the element stoop circle, which we define as “high” and “low” technique. Aims of the research are finding biomechanical differences between the two techniques and deducing requirements for gymnasts. 2D-video analysis from high bar routines of the World Championships 2007 was used. There are more gymnasts performing the “high” technique. We find differences in movement time and maximum angular velocities for hip and shoulder angles. These differences should be considered by coaches and gymnasts.