In gymnastics, connections, often referred to as series, are fundamental elements that link two or more different gymnastics skills together seamlessly within a routine. These linked sequences are crucial for building the difficulty, flow, and artistry of a gymnast's performance.
Understanding Gymnastics Series
A gymnastics series involves combining individual skills to create a continuous sequence of movement. This linking of skills is vital for both technical execution and artistic expression, demonstrating the gymnast's control, precision, and ability to transition smoothly between complex maneuvers.
Connecting skills serves several important purposes:
- Increases Difficulty Score: Performing skills in a series often earns higher difficulty points than performing individual skills.
- Enhances Aesthetic Appeal and Flow: Seamless connections contribute to the artistic impression of a routine, making it look more fluid and polished.
- Demonstrates Mastery of Transitions: Successfully executing connections showcases a gymnast's ability to maintain momentum, balance, and control through complex changes in movement.
Types of Connections
Connections in gymnastics can be executed in two primary ways, each impacting the rhythm and complexity of the routine.
1. Directly Connected Skills
Directly connected skills occur when there is no pause, step, or interruption between the execution of one skill and the immediate initiation of the next. The momentum from the first skill flows directly into the second.
- Characteristics: Continuous motion, no intermediate steps or pauses.
- Examples:
- A back handspring directly into a back layout.
- A front handspring immediately followed by a front tuck.
- A split leap directly into a jump.
2. Indirectly Connected Skills
Indirectly connected skills involve a slight pause or an intermediate, non-scoring movement (like a small step, hop, or arm circle) between the two main skills. While there's a brief break, the intention is still to connect the skills within a designated sequence.
- Characteristics: A brief, non-scoring adjustment or pause between skills.
- Examples:
- A round-off, a small step, then a back handspring.
- A split leap, a small adjustment on the beam, then a turn.
- A punch front, a small lunge, then a layout.
Here's a quick overview of the two types of connections:
| Connection Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Directly Connected | No pause or intermediate movement; seamless flow. | Back Handspring → Back Layout |
| Indirectly Connected | A slight pause or non-scoring adjustment separates the main skills. | Round-off → (small step) → Back Handspring |
Importance in Routine Construction
Most gymnastics routines are strategically built around these connections to meet specific scoring requirements and artistic demands set by governing bodies like FIG (International Gymnastics Federation).
- Acrobatic (Acro) Series: Routines typically require between 1-3 acrobatic series. These involve dynamic tumbling or flight skills, such as sequences of flips, twists, and handsprings, primarily seen on floor exercise and balance beam.
- Dance Series: At least one dance series is also generally mandatory. These connections showcase flexibility, balance, and artistic expression through linked leaps, turns, and holds, commonly performed on the balance beam and floor exercise.
Examples of Common Series in Gymnastics
- Floor Exercise:
- Round-off, back handspring, back layout (acro series)
- Front handspring, front full twist (acro series)
- Split leap, straddle jump, sissone (dance series)
- Balance Beam:
- Back handspring, back handspring, layout step-out (acro series)
- Switch leap, pike jump (dance series)
- Front aerial, walkover (acro series)
- Uneven Bars (often called combinations):
- Kip, cast to handstand, giant, release skill (e.g., Pak Salto)
By understanding and executing various connections, gymnasts can create compelling and high-scoring routines that demonstrate both their technical prowess and artistic flair.
