The biomechanics of twisting somersaults Part III: Aerial twist

Abstract

A simulation model and a rigid body model are used to evaluate aerial twisting techniques. It is found that when somersault is not present, a number of cycles of segment counter-rotation are required to produce one twist. When somersault is present, twist may be introduced by producing tilt using asymmetrical movements of the arms, chest or hips about the sagittal plane. The same asymmetrical movements may be used to remove tilt, although the effectiveness of these techniques is dependent upon body configuration and the direction of somersault.

The control of non-twisting somersaults using configuration changes

“…In a twisting somersault asymmetrical arm movements may be used to alter the tilt angle so that the twist is stopped or even reversed (Yeadon, 1993b). It should be possible to ensure that the twist angle remains small during an unstable straight somersault by making corrective arm movements.…”

Twist limits for late twisting double somersaults on trampoline

“…In the hip asymmetry technique for producing tilt the arms should be held wide for the first quarter twist and then adducted (Yeadon, 1993c) whereas for the arm asymmetry technique sequential arm adduction should be used (Yeadon, 2013). For the production of maximum tilt using a combination of arm and hip asymmetry there will be a trade-off between maintaining wide arms and adducting the arms sequentially before and after the quarter twist position is reached.…”

Twisting Techniques Used in Dismounts from the Rings

“…Since the angle of tilt is approximately proportional to the twist rate, it may therefore be used as a measure of the twisting potential present, independent of the actual configuration adopted. Twisting techniques may be defined as contact or aerial techniques depending on whether the twist is initiated during contact with the rings apparatus or during the aerial phase (Yeadon, 1993b(Yeadon, , 1993c. The initial value of the tilt angle when the rings are released is a measure of the twist initiated during contact with the rings.…”