Gymnastic Classes

Though it is large in comparison with other pieces of apparatus, its solidity and form make it fairly easy for beginners to handle, although at times it can prove difficult to keep in place or to change planes. Swings and circles, turning over, passing through, and throwing are additional characteristics of hoop work and all play an important part in the finished sequence. As with the rope, the grip on the hoop should be light so that the various manipulations may be performed with smoothness and dexterity, although occasionally, when preparing for some of the throws, for instance, the grip will need to be very firm. The two types of grip used are the over grasp (hand on the outside of the hoop, fingers curled around it) and the under grasp (hand inside the hoop, palm upwards as if hanging the hoop on the hand). The thumb and fingers play a vital part in all the various skills involving the use of the hand or hands. As with the other apparatus, work must be performed in the left hand …

Though it is large in comparison with other pieces of apparatus, its solidity and form make it fairly easy for beginners to handle, although at times it can prove difficult to keep in place or to change planes. Swings and circles, turning over, passing through, and throwing are additional characteristics of hoop work and all play an important part in the finished sequence. As with the rope, the grip on the hoop should be light so that the various manipulations may be performed with smoothness and dexterity, although occasionally, when preparing for some of the throws, for instance, the grip will need to be very firm. The two types of grip used are the over grasp (hand on the outside of the hoop, fingers curled around it) and the under grasp (hand inside the hoop, palm upwards as if hanging the hoop on the hand). The thumb and fingers play a vital part in all the various skills involving the use of the hand or hands. As with the other apparatus, work must be performed in the left hand …

whilst the apparatus is in the air, much practice in the art of throwing is necessary, and the mastery of catching the apparatus too. What is being performed under the apparatus will dictate the speed and the angle of the throw. Knowing also that it is important to show a variety of throws and catches, it is necessary to use different grips and different directions. However, before any of these more complex techniques can be attempted, the basic throw must be mastered. Because this skill has to be performed with the use of one hand only, I would recommend that the beginner starts with the hoop as it is easier to grip and control. Hold the hoop in the right hand in over grasp and swing the arm down to the side and back, keeping the hoop parallel to the body. As the arm goes back, the wrist will be cocked with the back of the hand facing the floor, the grip should be firm. Next, the arm swings through to stretch forwards and upwards into the throwing action. Try to keep the arm as strai …

Running should be analyzed, broken down into smaller parts drills, and then taught correctly. Foot alignment, knee lift, heel lift, arm swing, and even where the athlete is focusing should be trained individually, corrected, and practiced frequently. Perhaps during training, each portion of the run or the drills should be used as a warm up for training or for a more enjoyable experience, as relay races. For a relay race each movement of the run can be performed by a different teammate. Another idea is to have every participant in the race perform a certain portion or movement of the running technique. A great contest idea for athletes is to use the arm swing for the run; once the correct elbow angle and swing (alternate motion of forward and back) are learned, the number of arm swings per 30 seconds can be timed. Coaches must watch that the athletes keep their arms bent throughout the swing rather than bending and straightening with each swing. The “karate chop” motion is popular a …

The hoop also lends itself particularly well to swings in the table plane, initially using two hands, but then progressing to one handed swings. A strong grip is needed to hold the hoop in a horizontal position during the basic side to side swings, but once you begin to develop the swing and go into a turn or change of hands, either in front or behind, the hoop becomes easier to manage. For this type of swing where the hoop is horizontal, a very different throwing action is required, and by using both one or both hands and a slight tilt of the hoop on to a diagonal plane, the discus throw can be achieved. When you have tried this throw a few times, and are becoming quite accurate, perhaps you can begin to try some different ways of catching, for example: 1. Reach up with one hand and catch on the outer edge, then step immediately into a turn 2. Catch with both hands, bring the hoop down around the waist, and send it into a hula hoop rotation. 3. Reach forwards and catch with one or bo …

What is being performed under the apparatus will dictate the speed and the angle of the throw. Knowing also that it is important to show a variety of throws and catches, it is necessary to use different grips and different directions. However, before any of these more complex techniques can be attempted, the basic throw must be mastered. Because this skill has to be performed with the use of one hand only, I would recommend that the beginner starts with the hoop as it is easier to grip and control. Hold the hoop in the right hand in over grasp and swing the arm down to the side and back, keeping the hoop parallel to the body. As the arm goes back, the wrist will be cocked with the back of the hand facing the floor, the grip should be firm. Next, the arm swings through to stretch forwards and upwards into the throwing action. Try to keep the arm as straight as possible; this will be difficult if it is too close to the body because the hoop will hit the floor. Remember to keep the arm a …