Asymmetrical is when the left and right sides of the body (sagittal plane) are different.
Axis of Rotation is an imaginary line that travels through the center of gravity that the body can rotate around. There are three different axis of rotation: horizontal, transverse and vertical.
Body is the ability to assume different positions (tuck, pike, straddle, round, etc). These positions allow the body to exhibit angular, straight, twisted, symmetrical, asymmetrical and angular position. These positions can be demonstrated through the performance of balance, rotational, and traveling skills.
Counter Balance is when the center of gravity is outside of the base of support, but balance is created by pushing in opposite directions or extending body parts in different directions to create an even distribution of weight around the base of support.
Counter Tension is when a person is able to balance with their center of gravity outside of their base of support by pulling against another force.
Center of Gravity is the center point where most of the mass is located around. A lower center of gravity is more stable is more stable than a higher center of gravity.
Dynamic Balance is the ability to maintain balance while moving through space. Dynamic balance is a result of coordinated movement.
Effort is the ability to demonstrate a change in force, time and/or flow. Skills that require more slow and controlled movement require more effort.
Flight occurs when the body is not in contact with the ground. There are three phased to flight:
- Take-off
- Suspension or travel through the air
- Landing
Force refers to the amount of energy that is put into the performance of a skill.
Flow refers to the type of movement. Movement that is stoppable or bound has little or no flow. Movement that is smooth and free requires less effort, but more flow.
Horizontal Rotation is when the axis of rotation goes through the center of gravity by traveling through the hips left to right.
Relationships with different body parts are demonstrated as the position of the body is changed. The relationship of the different body parts refers to above, below, apart, together, behind, in front, meeting and parting, and near and far.
Space is demonstrated through changes in direction, pathways, planes, levels and extensions. These changes allow the body to move forward, backward, up, down, diagonal, sideways, etc. Skills can occur in general space or personal space.
Spinning Radius will determine how fast you can spin. The larger the spinning radius the slower the spin.
Static Balance is when the intent is to achieve moments of stillness through tightness of the body and controlling the body.
Symmetrical is when both sides of the body (left and right—sagittal plane) are the same.
Time refers to how fast of slow a skill occurs within a moment of time.
Torque is the force that is applied away from the center of gravity to create rotation.
Transitions are movements or skills that are performed to create flow between other movements. Movements that are used as transitions are used to change an element of movement: body position, space, effort, and/or relationships.
Transverse Rotation is when the axis of rotation goes through the center of gravity by traveling through the front of the hips to the back of the hips.
Vertical Rotation is when the axis of rotation goes through the center of gravity from the head to the feet.
Weight transfer is when the weight of the body is moved from one body part to another with the purpose of moving from one place to another or to change position
Skill Themes in tumbling or educational gymnastics:
· Balance
· Rotation
· Traveling
Elements of Movement:
· Body
· Space
· Effort
· Relationships
Balance:
Characteristics of Balance:
· Asymmetrical
· Symmetrical
· Inverted
· Upright
· Moments of Stillness
· Tightness of Body
Principles of Balance:
· Base of Support
· Center of Gravity
· Counter Balance
· Counter Tension
Rotation:
Characteristics of Rotation:
· Horizontal
· Vertical
· Transverse
Principles of Rotation:
· Spinning Radius
· Center of Gravity
· Axis of Rotation
· Torque
Traveling:
Characteristics of Traveling:
· Weight Transfer
· Flight
Principles of Traveling:
· Base of Support
· Center of Gravity
· Dynamic Balance