Acrobatic gymnastics
Teamwork!
There are five events in acrobatic gymnastics. This includes women's pair, men's pair, mixed pair, men's group (four men), and women's group (three women). In acrobatic gymnastics, different body types are needed for the pair or group to preform different elements required in the routine such as tumbling skills and partner balances. For example, small, flexible gymnasts are needed for the top, or "flyer" positions. They preform handstands, arched handstands, or straddle hold positions on top of the base partner. See pic 1 to see an example of this. As you can see, weight, strength and size need vary in acrobatic gymnastics.
What to compete
Routine
Each pair or group will preform three routines at the competition. One will be balance, another tempo, and one more called combined. Each of the routines are choreographed and preformed to music.
Balance Exercise
This exercise consists of balance holds, intricate pyramids, transitions between balance holds, and individual demonstrations of strength, flexibility, balance, agilty, and strength. During this routine, the partners or group must remain in constant contact. In the balance exercise, pairs are reqired to preform:
1) a minimum of six balance elements. 2) four individual elements
3) unique balance skills on the hands, feet, or head
Group skills include:
1) a minimum of two pyramids 2) four individual elements
A group exercise may also include amazing pyramids that seem to defy gravity and demonstrate incredible strength.
Each pair or group will preform three routines at the competition. One will be balance, another tempo, and one more called combined. Each of the routines are choreographed and preformed to music.
Balance Exercise
This exercise consists of balance holds, intricate pyramids, transitions between balance holds, and individual demonstrations of strength, flexibility, balance, agilty, and strength. During this routine, the partners or group must remain in constant contact. In the balance exercise, pairs are reqired to preform:
1) a minimum of six balance elements. 2) four individual elements
3) unique balance skills on the hands, feet, or head
Group skills include:
1) a minimum of two pyramids 2) four individual elements
A group exercise may also include amazing pyramids that seem to defy gravity and demonstrate incredible strength.
Dynamic/ tempo exercise
Can you imagine being thrown in the air with the duty to flip and hope to land the right way in your partner's arms? I know I can't. But that is what competitors preforming a tempo routine must do. Skills including partner throws and pitches and catching the thrown person and individual tumbling skills are in this routine. Dynamic elements in this routine require power and agility. Both pairs and groups preform:
1) six elements with flight 2) four individual elements (two which must be salto)
Combined exercise
A combined exercise is exactly what it sounds like. The routine consists of a combination of dynamic and balance elements and characteristics. Three balance and dynamic skills are required in this routine. Once again, both pairs and groups are also required to preform individual skills.
Can you imagine being thrown in the air with the duty to flip and hope to land the right way in your partner's arms? I know I can't. But that is what competitors preforming a tempo routine must do. Skills including partner throws and pitches and catching the thrown person and individual tumbling skills are in this routine. Dynamic elements in this routine require power and agility. Both pairs and groups preform:
1) six elements with flight 2) four individual elements (two which must be salto)
Combined exercise
A combined exercise is exactly what it sounds like. The routine consists of a combination of dynamic and balance elements and characteristics. Three balance and dynamic skills are required in this routine. Once again, both pairs and groups are also required to preform individual skills.