Gymnastics Movements
Senior 2 · Physical Education
Gymnastics Movements
Lesson 2 of 3
20 min
A single roll is a skill. A gymnastics sequence is a short performance where skills, balances and jumps flow into each other with a clear start and finish. To build one you need a third roll, the log roll, and the basic body shapes that judges look for.
The log roll (also called the pencil roll) turns the body sideways along its long axis, like a log rolling down a hill.
If your hips turn after your shoulders, the body twists and drifts across the mat. That shows a loss of tension.
You can show each shape in a jump (tuck jump, straddle jump), in a balance (a pike V-sit) or in a roll (the forward roll is a tuck; the log roll is straight).
A good sequence has:
Example sequence: stand stretched (start) → forward roll → straight jump with a half turn → two log rolls → pike V-sit held for 3 seconds → stand and stretch (finish).
In competition, gymnasts get two scores. The D score rewards difficulty. The E score judges execution, meaning how well the skills are performed: it starts at 10 and the judges subtract deductions for errors. In class you can use a simple E score:
Umutoni's sequence: bent knees in the jump (small), unpointed toes in the log roll (small), a wobble in the V-sit (medium) and a hand down after the forward roll (large).
Total deductions = 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.5 = 1.0
E score = 10 − 1.0 = 9.0
The largest deduction came from the forward roll, so that is the part to practise first.
Tip
Tension is the secret. A log roll, a straight jump and a held balance all look good for the same reason: a firm body. When a question asks how to improve a sequence, name the specific fault and link the correction to control, extension or flow.
Name the body shape: (a) legs straight and wide apart; (b) knees to the chest; (c) body folded at the hips with straight legs together.
Solution. (a) straddle; (b) tuck; (c) pike.
Gatete's log roll drifts diagonally off the mat. What is the likely cause?
Solution. His shoulders and hips are not turning together because of a loss of body tension. He should squeeze his muscles and turn as one piece.
A sequence is marked with two small errors, two medium errors and no large errors or falls. What is its E score out of 10?
Solution. Deductions = 2 × 0.1 + 2 × 0.3 = 0.2 + 0.6 = 0.8. E score = 10 − 0.8 = 9.2.
Design a sequence of five elements that uses at least three different body shapes and includes one of each type of roll you know.
Solution (one possible answer). Stand stretched (straight) → forward roll (tuck) → log roll (straight) → backward roll (tuck) → straddle jump → finish in a stretched stand. It contains three shapes and three rolls.
Remember
Sources and credits
This lesson adapts CC BY-SA material and is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.
