Insufficient Lift
It is a common error to twist right off the ground, which means the
salto has insufficient lift and airtime to complete either the layout somersault
and/or the twist.
Twisting Wrong Direction
If a gymnast can’t learn a full after a long time of working on it,
it is possible they are twisting opposite to their natural twisting direction
(usually right shoulder back twisting if gymnast does left cartwheel).
In a safe environment (a loose foam pit) try twisting the other way a few
times and see if it is easier or you make rapid progress.
Throwing Head
This most common problem on all back saltos really interferes with
twisting. Throwing the head causes an arch in the back and twisting
only really easily occurs in the straight position. Eliminating this
error (starting in the layout) can make twisting easier.
Arched
Just like the above problem arching the in the back salto causes problems
since twisting only really efficiently occurs in the straight body position.
Eliminating this error (starting in the layout) can make twisting easier.
Head and Arm Wrap in Different Directions
It is not uncommon to see gymnasts trying to twist (and sometimes actually
twisting) with the head turning one way and the arm wrap going the other
way. Obviously this is an inefficient way to try to twist and can
stall twisting progress. Make sure the head and arm wraps are going
in the same (and correct) direction.
Head Out of Twist
This is similar to the problem above except instead of going the wrong
direction the head is just sticking out of the twist and going in no real
twisting direction at all. The head is an integral part of efficient
twisting and needs to coordinate with the arm wrap and go in the same direction.
Get your head in the twist.
Early Twist
Early twisting often robs power from somersault rotation. When
you body and mind realize that there is a danger of landing short, the
body’s reaction is often to open up out of the twist. Setting the
layout over and knowing the body is going to rotate the somersault before
twisting can fix this problem.
Whip
Whips are low (not much air time) and arch then pike. The body
has little air time to complete the skill and even less time where the
body is straight and can efficiently twist. Set up your layouts.
Lack of Coordination of Lift and Twist
There must be a balance between lifting (setting) the layout and wrapping
the twist. Of the two, the layout is the most important and requires
the most effort and energy. Face it, anyone can do a jump full turn.
But who can do a standing layout. The correct balance must be found
between the two and the two must be smoothly coordinated.
Lack of Coordination of Head and Arm Wrap
For twisting efficiency, the head and arm wrap must be tightly coordinated.
They should snap into the twisting action at the same time. When
the two are not coordinated, twisting efficiency suffers.
If you want to know more about tumbling and twisting techniques, drills,
and progressions, you will want to buy and read our
Secrets to World Class Tumbling
book
