Aerials are an exciting and challenging part of gymnastics. They are also a great way to highlight the athletes’ skill level. They show off the athlete’s athleticism, flexibility, and grace, while also displaying their artistic skills and personality.
A few common aerials include cartwheels, somersaults, and back handsprings. There are also many different types of flips that can be done in a gymnastics aerial. Some of the most popular aerials are the cartwheel, front somersault, and side somersault.
The most important thing to remember when doing an aerial is to use proper connection. This is especially important for the lead and base of an aerial. The connection between the lead and the flyer creates the momentum for an aerial to be successful. The lead should always be in control and the base should be in motion.
When a base is lifting in an aerial, it is important for them to keep their knees bent and their hips up so they do not injure themselves while the flyer is in the air. It is also important for the base to keep their arms straight while they are grabbing their partner’s legs.
Some other important tips to remember while performing an aerial are:
Flow and Surprise
Aerials look best when they flow naturally from one move to the next. This is often accomplished by merging the set up of a certain move into the next. It is also helpful to add a short transition between some of the moves to give the audience time to see the movement.
Another thing to consider is the landing on the floor. It is a good idea to have a mat under the base and flyer to help them land on the floor safely. It can also be useful to have a spotter on the floor with them so they are not in danger of falling on their own.
Depending on the gym, you may have an instructor that can spot you while you perform an aerial. This is a great way to learn new skills without risking injury.
If you are a beginner, you may want to start with some simple cartwheels and mountain climbs to warm up your body. After you have practiced your cartwheels and mountain climbs, you can begin to work on aerials.
In addition to a cartwheel, you can also do somersaults and backward somersaults. Usually, these skills are a little more difficult than cartwheels and mountain climbs, so you will need to practice them regularly.
For example, if you are learning the backward somersault, try to do it from a variety of angles and positions so you can get a feel for the move before trying it on an aerial. You can also learn some basic twists and other acrobatic moves that will help you with the backward somersault.
Aerials can be performed in a number of ways, and can be used in any routine as long as they are not too complicated or dangerous. You can also perform an aerial on the side of a gymnastic apparatus, such as the balance beam or the uneven bars.
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