Somersaults
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A somersault or
flip is preformed on both the balance beam and the floor and have many
different variations with turns and twists. Somersaults use force
and torque applied by the gymnast to allow him or her to flip and twist
many times while in the air. They can also be preformed without
any added torque but have limited rotation because of it. Torque
is the amount of force from the gymnast times the distance from his or
her feet to their hands.
Horizontal Force
Horizontal force is applied by the gymnast at the feet, and is done by gymnasts basically throwing their bodies into a horizontal motion to preform the somersault. They gain more momentum by throwing their arms and head backwards and up.
Vertical Force
Vertical force can also be used to preform a somersault. By throwing ones upper body, a somersault is achieved by producing a torque leaning forward or backward before leaping. A gymnasts center of mass cannot be directly above his or her feet so one must lean to produce torque. Also by jumping straight up and tucking, a gymnast can preform a somersault without torque.
Home Handstands Round Off A Giant
Horizontal Force
Horizontal force is applied by the gymnast at the feet, and is done by gymnasts basically throwing their bodies into a horizontal motion to preform the somersault. They gain more momentum by throwing their arms and head backwards and up.
Vertical Force
Vertical force can also be used to preform a somersault. By throwing ones upper body, a somersault is achieved by producing a torque leaning forward or backward before leaping. A gymnasts center of mass cannot be directly above his or her feet so one must lean to produce torque. Also by jumping straight up and tucking, a gymnast can preform a somersault without torque.
Home Handstands Round Off A Giant