Y. Takei et al., NEW OUTER GRIP TECHNIQUE USED BY ELITE GYMNASTS IN PERFORMING THE FELGE TO HANDSTAND MOUNT, Journal of applied biomechanics, 11(2), 1995, pp. 188-204
The subjects were 25 American and 28 Japanese gymnasts filmed during n
ational championships. Performances were analyzed to determine the eff
ect of grip technique at bar regrasp. It was hypothesized that the new
outer grip technique would achieve significantly higher body angle an
d center of gravity (CG) than the inner grip technique at bar regrasp,
qualities that are essential for successful performance of the basket
to handstand mount on the parallel bars. It was further hypothesized
that the new outer grip technique would achieve significantly (a) grea
ter angular speed of arm rotation and vertical displacement of CG duri
ng the upward inverted swing and (b) higher body angle and CG at bar r
elease. The results revealed significant differences in all of the are
as hypothesized in favor of the new outer grip technique. Although the
technique must be refined to control the tendency for excessive body
arching at bar release, the new outer grip has the technical advantage
for pursuing virtuosity points and new maneuvers.