Gymnastics is a challenging activity that can help improve your strength, flexibility and balance. It can be a lot of fun, but it takes patience and practice to master the basic skills. Within this article we will highlight nine basic gymnastic skills that will provide you with a good grounding in the sport and help you both enjoy the sport and progress to more advanced disciplines should you want to. Always remember to use the correct equipment such as gymnastic mats to ensure you can perfect your skills in a safe environment and without risk of injury.
The Backward Roll
The backward roll move is slightly more challenging than the forward roll, however, it is just as essential when gymnasts are looking to master the core skills that will allow them to progress. The backward roll helps to build strength and can also be used as a starting move for more advanced skills and as such easily integrated into the majority of gymnastic activities.
The Handstand
This is a move that requires a lot of strength and balance. It is often used as a starting position for other skills, such as flips and turns. The handstand is generally considered the most important of all the core gymnastic skills. This is because it is a vital component of all different disciplines from the floor to the high bar hertube .
The Cartwheel
This is a move that combines elements of the forward and backward roll. It requires good balance and coordination. To perform the perfect cartwheel you will need to demonstrate not only strength but also grace, flexibility and balance. Once perfected you can use the cartwheel in many gymnastic disciplines.
Turn on One Foot
Turning on one foot is a basic gymnastic skill that helps you to build strength and balance. It is used in many different routines and movements and is considered an essential skill for all gymnasts.
To perfect the turn on one foot, you will need to be strong and have a good balance. You should start by practising in a small space, such as in the corner of a room. Once you have mastered the basic turn, you can then try turning 360 degrees.
The Forward Walkover
This move is similar to the forward roll, but instead of rolling on your back, you walk over your body. This requires good flexibility and coordination. It is often used as a lead-up to more complex skills and routines.
The Backward Walkover
The backward walkover is the reverse of the forward walkover. It requires good flexibility and coordination and is often used as a lead-up to more complex skills and routines.
The Splits
Perfecting the splits will take time as you will need to ensure you are flexible enough to avoid injury. Once you have mastered the basic skill the splits can be performed in many different ways, such as with one leg in front of the other, or with both legs straight out to the side.
The Round Off
Mastering the round-off is important before you move on to more complicated moves. The round-off is similar in many ways to a cartwheel or except that the gymnast performing it will land on two feet together instead of one at a time. By perfecting the round off young gymnasts will improve their tumbling skills and it also helps with handsprings.
The Backbend
The backbend is a move that requires good flexibility and coordination. It is often used as an ending move in routines. To perform the backbend, you will need to start in a standing position. Then, bend backwards at the waist, keeping your legs straight. Once you have reached the floor, push up with your hands so that your body forms a bridge. Hold this position for a few seconds before returning to the standing position.
These are just some of the basic skills that all gymnasts should master. With practice and patience, you can perfect these moves and progress to more advanced skills. Hopefully, the information in this article will set you on the right path to achieving your gymnastic goals.