IDENTIFICATION OF FLOOR AND VAULTING APTITUDE IN 8·14 YEAR OLD TALENT-SELECTED FEMALE GYMNASTS

Authors

  • Elizabeth J. Bradshaw
  • Peter Le Rossignol

Keywords:

gymnastics, vault, floor, jump, run, talent

Abstract

Training programs can be designed and monitored to maximise high aptitude for floor and vault when the key attributes are identified, and then used to recognize apparatus ability in talent-selected gymnasts. The aim of this study was to identify the anthropometric and physical prerequisites for high difficulty floor tumbling and vaulting. Twenty female gymnasts performed handstand push-offs, single and multiple jumps on a portable Kistler force plate. The gymnasts were also examined when sprinting, vaulting, and performing broad jumps. Each gymnast's best vault, three best noor tumbling skills and their anthropometric characteristics were also recorded. High squat jump force and power, vault take-off velocity, and sprinting speed indicated vaulting talent. High vault running speed and reduced handstand push-off ground contact time indicated high floor ability.

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