Gymnastics

Beam; Split Leap

Beam Routine at a Comp

An older picture at my gym from when I was younger

A split leap or is a sequence of body movements in which a person assumes a split position after leaping from the floor, respectively, while still in the air as the gymnast strikes the front split position. A split leap on beam has a level higher of difficulty because you must maintain your balance as you push off, strike the skill, then land again on the four-inch wide beam, with feet placed with one in front of the other. The book, Crowood Sports Guides Gymnastics: Skills-Techniques-Training by Llyod Readhead, gives some key points on how to perform a split leap on beam; “An excellent range of movement in the hips must be developed through flexibility training. Active range of movement exercises such as active PNF flexibility training must be used to develop the active flexibility in the hips and legs.” (pg. 47). This text helped me by telling me to square my hips to keep my center of balance on balance. It also showed me how important my front split flexibility is. Another Piece of text that helped me achieve a better leap was, “The split leap requires a high degree of active range of movement in the splits range together with leg strength to generate height and to control the landing.” (pg. 47). This really helped me understand that I needed to make sure to hit he split position, which means to make sure to bring my front leg up just as high as my back leg, not letting either of them drop lower than the other. My splints have improved from what they used to look like on beam, as showed in this video.