Teaching a great Yurchenko layout vault

Gym Coach, Vol.5 (2011) 12-21

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Technical Report

Teaching a great Yurchenko layout vault Valentin Uzunov

J.E.T.S Gymnastics, Rochester MN, USA ABSTRACT This article continues on from the discussion presented in “Qualitative description of the ideal Yurchenko layout vault technique” published in Vol 4, 2010 issue of the Gym Coach Journal. In the first part of our discussion and examination of the Yurchenko layout, it was concluded from available research and data that all good Yurchenko vaulting performances had three biomechanical characteristics in common: an appropriate CM pre-flight velocity, a high level of pre-flight angular momentum and contact the horse with a large body angle of attack. The purpose of this article is to use the insight from the previous discussion and practically apply it in the presentation of a methodological model for coaching of the Yurchenko layout vault. The training model presented uses a series of drills, progressions, and specific physical preparation exercises chosen for their specificity and development of the key biomechanically factors identified with successful Yurchenko layout performance.

Key Words: Yurchenko vault, coaching vault, vault, vault conditioning

INTRODUCTION The Yurchenko vault has become the accepted vaulting standard for the majority of elite and high level female gymnasts. Even though gymnasts and coaches have had a high success rate with this specific vault, it still remains an open question what is the best and most efficient way to coach and execute the Yurchenko. Although such a question would be hard to answer, due to the large degree of variability amongst performers, coaches and training methods used, there are certain similarities between all top Yurchenko vault performances. In “Qualitative description of the ideal Yurchenko layout vault technique”, Vol. 4 of the Gym Coach Journal the author reviewed the current research and coaching textbooks and concluded that the best approach to developing this vault should focus on three key characteristics: a) Training the gymnast to generate and maintain the appropriate velocity of the CM during preflight; b) entering the pre-flight with high levels of angular momentum; and c) to contact the horse with a large bodyangle of attack and angular velocity.

As with all vaulting, the key to success is in the approach and the pre-flight. Few vaults have specific post flight characteristics, such as the handspring double front (Roche vault) vault, which demands specific post-flight training as recommended by Takei, 2003, Takei 2007. From our previous examination of the kinematic and kinetic mechanics of this vault (Uzunov, 2010) it was possible to conclude that the key factors that differentiate between ©2011 The Gym Press. All rights reserved

outstanding performance and mediocre or poor performance lay in the gymnast’s ability to generate greater angular momentum and the appropriate flight path of the Centre of Mass (CoM) during pre-flight, as well as the optimum body position and angle on horse impact. In essence, the execution of the pre-flight and horse contact will dictate the level of success of the performance.

Successful training and execution is further complicated by the fact that an optimum pre-flight is dependent on the successful execution of the preceding phase, or springboard entry.

The scope of this article is to present a systematic training progression that employs current understanding of the Yurchenko layout mechanics and modern training methods, and in doing so train gymnasts to attain superior performance and by-pass potential shortfalls of less Yurchenko specific training methods.

TECHNIQUE In order to understand the training progressions employed it’s important to first examine each phase a little more closely and provide the reader with a better understanding of the rationale behind the progressions used in the training methodology.

For this purpose two vault examples are used to study and illustrate the ideal model of execution.

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Uzunov V. Teaching great Yurchenko layouts, Vol 5, 2011 Example 1 - Unknown gymnast (Yurchenko layout)

www.thegympress.net As can be seen in the two video examples, each gymnast uses a comfortable sprinting style and approach speed.

The hurdle is not often discussed in detail. It nevertheless plays a critical role in the performance and execution of the vault, with critical errors often arising from this seemingly simple action. The hurdle is characteristically described as being long and low for all vaults. The reason for this is to conserve maximum horizontal momentum (3) going into the next skill/phase, which in the case of the Yurchenko is the round-off. During the hurdle, the arms should be swung upward and forward aggressively giving the gymnast the sensation that s/he is being pulled forward by the arms. At the peak of the arm swing the gymnast shoulders should pin his/her ears and simultaneous protract the shoulder (this is known as the “chest in” position). The shoulder girdle must be fully elevated and protracted throughout the entire hurdle and the entry into the round-off. This action can be observed in both video examples however example 2 shows it especially well.

Example 2 - Kohei Uchimura (Yurchenko layout 2½ )

Coming out of the hurdle the gymnast needs to be prepared for ground impact onto the back leg (ref to Figure 3). On first impact the back leg should impact the ground underneath or even behind the gymnast with the gymnast’s CoM in front of the foot (Figure 3).

Figure 3- Ground contact at end of hurdle. Notice that in both examples the gymnasts have impacted the ground with the back le leg behind their CoM, which is ideal for creating eccentric force on leg drive. The left example shows a mistake: the hips are in not As with any vault, the run-up represents the first phase. in too much of a pike.

Research has shown that for direct vaults such as handspring and Tsukahara vaults, maximising approach speeds is critical. However, this is not the case for Ensuring the gymnast’s CoM is in front of the back leg foot Yurchenko vaults. From examination of a limited but placement is important because from this position the representative range of technical literature on gymnastics gymnast can eliminate the majority of breaking forces coaching (3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10) it seems clear that generating (slowing down, decelerating forces) on ground contact and sufficient speed and control into the hurdle is more puts the gymnast in a positions from which s/he can important than max horizontal velocity on approach. generate the most amount of turnover going into the roundStudies have shown that approach speeds during the off.

Yurchenko are significantly lower compared to other styles of vault (1). Running styles and technique are rarely The effectiveness of the round-off onto the springboard discussed in great detail in gymnastics literature. Rybecki decides the uppermost limits of what the gymnast can attain (2008) encourages teaching proper run-up technique and during the successive phases (2). Going into the round-off posture, which help set up the most conducive conditions for from the hurdle the gymnast must continue to reach the hurdle (9). Running technique is discussed in detail by forward while powerfully kicking the back leg over, to Uzunov 2009 for readers interested in learning more about initiate the round-off turnover (going from and upright to an upside down position). The back leg should aggressively sprinting training for vault. kick over the gymnast’s head, and continue without any 13

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deceleration of the leg. This is referred to as having ‘followthrough’. The front leg should push downward and backward, thereby generating a lifting of the CoM. Both legs should come together just prior to springboard impact. A common mistake in learning and performing the round-off is to slow down the back leg (first leg) in order to try and allow the front leg to catch up.

A fast turning over at the round-off is critical not only in order to establish a high level of angular momentum throughout the vault, but also in order to facilities the block in the round-off. The block during the round-off helps raise the CoM so that the gymnast can impact the springboard in the correct position.

Figure 5 - Springboard take-off position. Notice the tight upper back arch, with the hips directly above the feet. This is a key position and coaches should look for it.

Following the take-off from the springboard take-off the gymnast should be rotating very quickly backward whilst his/her CoM is rising upward. This is critical in order for the gymnast to make quick contact with the table at a high angle First impact with the springboard must be high, at of impact (12), thereby creating the ideal conditions for the approximately 60° angle (12) with the gymnast’s upper body subsequent repulsion phase. (in particular his arms, head, shoulders) moving very quickly over the top of the feet (5).

The effectiveness of the repulsion phase is a combination of the take-off body position and dynamics. Technical coaching literature always advises that the gymnast needs to impact the table with an open (fully flexed) shoulder angle, however this is rarely, if ever, observed in top vaulters. A better coaching focus is to develop a fast turnover and impact the table with a high angle of attack with the shoulder joint being as close as possible to 180° of flexion (figure 6).

Figure 4 - Springboard impact phase shows a high impact angle approximation – 60° in both angles - with minimal flexion of hips and knees The gymnast in the example does a better job at keeping the shoulders pinned to the ears with the arms and head acting as one unit.

All high-scoring Yurchenko vaults involve a quick transition over the top of the springboard (1). The hip angle on springboard impact should be as close to full extension (open) as possible, the chest is closed, shoulders are in contact with the ears, and the head is in a neutral position (5,8) (Figure 4). Landing high on the board will prevent excessive leg bend and will also aid the athlete to quickly rebound off the springboard.

Figure 6 – Both gymnasts demonstrate a high body angle attack on table impact, with the shoulder angle close to 180° of shoulder flexion (the right example camera angle distorts the angle of attack for a better comparison).The gymnast on the left does a better job at keeping the head between the arms and the shoulder angle closer to 180°.

On springboard take-off the gymnast must fully extend all A high body angle of attack facilitates the generation of joints, so that all limbs align to a tight upper back arch angular momentum during impact with the table because position (Figure 5). the reaction force passes behind the whole body CoM. If the angle of attack is low, the gymnast will lose angular Following the take-off from the springboard take-off the momentum on impact because “the gymnast’s weight acts gymnast should be rotating very quickly backward whilst as a moment arm in a counter-rotation direction of the vault his/her CoM is rising upward. This is critical in order for the and so reduces the angular momentum of the gymnast” (11). gymnast to make quick contact with the table at a high angle The correct position and dynamics on table contact, of impact (12), thereby creating the ideal conditions for the coordinated with a strong and powerful push through the subsequent repulsion phase. shoulders and wrists joints, allows the gymnast to quickly deflect off the table and establish increased vertical lift of the CoM. The gymnast must complete the block action and

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depart from the table just prior to reaching handstand or at simultaneously: Special Physical Preparation, Special handstand with the feet forming a slight arch (figure 7).

Technical Preparation, Simulation and Performance. At the beginning the gymnast should only focus on physical and technical preparation through specific exercises and drills. Only after sufficient technical preparation can the gymnast start including full simulation drills and actual vaults safely and effectively. It is very important to use develop technical training early on in the course of preparation and not rush the process.

Special Physical Preparation

Figure 7 - Good example of how the gymnast has completed the Special physical preparation (SPP) for the Yurchenko vault block and deflected from the table at handstand, with very can begin early in the gymnast’s career. SPP exercises can showing on a slight tight arch. be differentiated within the following categories.

As the gymnast blocks, s/he gymnast again perform a snap up action, lifting the chest, shoulders and arms. Only once the gymnast has initiated the chest lift should the hands come down to help speed up rotation (9). This is important for learning the twisting Yurchenko vaults latter (figure 8).

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•

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Figure 8 - Following the block both gymnasts show a clear rise of the shoulder, arms and head in the backward somersault. A clear snap-up action is clearly demonstrated

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Reach back o Dorsal lifts with straight arms o Standing reach backs (weighted) o Standing BHS onto raised surface o Standing whipbacks Repulsion o Bridge shoulder shrugs and bounces on tramp (4) o Back-handspring block to handstand (video )(7) o RO turnover drill (video) Shape change o Arch to hollow in handstand o From bridge to handstand o Shape change between panel mats Approach/ Springboard punch o Sprint training (16) o Step punch back handspring o Step punch straight jumps Spatial orientation o Cody on trampoline (video) o Consecutive back tuck and layout o Simulated flipping from HS drills

• Once the gymnast leaves the table his/her potential for technical execution of the layout during the post-flight is established and cannot be altered. With gymnasts who show poor layout positions the coach should carefully examine each preceding phase to identify the short falls that are The select few exercises recommended are highly specific to causing the poor post-flight the training model presented. There are hundreds of exercises that can be listed for each category of physical preparation, each having merit, however the selected exercises are deemed by the author to be suitable for the METHODOLOGY majority of gymnasts learning this vault, as well as being For coaches who wish to coach this vault, implementing a very specific to the vault. Coaches are however always long term development plan is recommended. Preparation advised to seek and learn as many SPP exercises as possible for this vault should start 1 or 2 years (depending on the in order to target a specific gymnast’s weaknesses and gymnasts and their proficiency at the handspring vault and counteract boredom in training. It’s not appropriate to Round-off back-handspring on floor (4)) before performing suggest repetitions per drills station as this can vary greatly a Yurchenko vault in competition. This recommendation is between each session and exercise depending on the for purposes of injury prevention, consistency, and technical difficulty for the gymnast. As a guideline 4-10 repetitions for mastery and not because the vault is extremely difficult to multiple sets (3 to 4) should be sufficient.

learn. It is important that when vaults with salto are being performed for the first time, safety is always considered, and Special Technical Preparation thus rushing though stages is strongly discouraged.

Introduction of the Yurchenko can begin early on in a The development of the Yurchenko vault, like any other skill, gymnast’s career. It is nevertheless recommended that a can be divided into 3 stages, which can be coached 15

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gymnast be able to perform a proficient RO-BHS on floor always. (part b) As the gymnast develops confidence and first. Rushing the training process is strongly discouraged. consistency in performing a cartwheel s/he can begin doing a RO rebound to a straight jump. There should be a stack of The progression of coaching for technical preparation mats at hip height behind the gymnast to encourage them to should be divided into 3 phases: Entry, Turnover, Block and stand up straight on the jump. In this phase many of the rotation. errors in the entry will begin to show, e.g. not blocking of the round-off, looking down at the panel mats on take-off, Phase 1 – Board Entry piking the straight jump, etc..

The very first step to teaching the Yurchenko vault should be the run-up approach and springboard entry (round-off onto the springboard). Coach and gymnast should devote 75% of their training time to this phase and the remaining 25% on Special physical preparation in the beginning. As previously stated in this article, the upper most limits of the Yurchenko vault are mostly predetermined by the springboard entry and take-off. Rushing through this phase will only be training for errors and inadequacies for successive phases.

During the board entry phase the focus is on: • Developing a consistent approach with a good hurdle technique – controlled but aggressive entry • Create turnover out of the round-off onto the springboard • Springboard entry angle • Springboard punch

When the gymnast becomes confident and consistent with his/her RO straight jump, an obstacle can be placed in-front (Video) of the panel mat to encourage the snap up of the torso, predominantly the shoulders and head. The size of the object depends on the size and speed of the gymnast. (part c) The gymnast should be encouraged to rebound to a candle stick onto a stack of mats at vault height (usually shoulder height from standing on the floor) when s/he begins to perform the straight jump with consistency and good straight body alignment.

The reason for using a panel mat instead of a springboard is to teach the gymnast to punch out of the round-off instead of relying on the springboard. As the gymnast develops proficiency with 1 panel mat, more layers can be added building up to 1 ½ - 2 panel mats height. Once the gymnast can accomplish this s/he should begin to focus on drill 2.

Before teaching the drills it is important to establish a Key technical points to focus on are: • Shoulder to ears on hurdle and reaching forward. consistent starting position and hurdle. To do this the coach • Back leg driving with follow through till should mark out a springboard location with chalk on the springboard impact. It is critical to emphasise the floor, place a Yurchenko mat in front of the chalk outline, speed of the first leg and a late but fast closure of and place a panel mat a set distance away from the the legs just prior to springboard impact.

Yurchenko mat. From 1-3 steps the gymnast will hurdle • Block of second hand (following the technique described earlier in this article) off • Snap up/standing up off the floor onto the the panel mat and do a round-off onto the chalk outline. The springboard, impacting as upright as possible. panel mat is adjusted as required until an ideal starting position is found. This setup can be from here on used • On take-off gymnast should be fully extended with consistently for all drills. As the run-up length is increased all limbs aligned. This requires: Head position the same process can be used if required. aligned with the arms above the head, and the hips and knees and shoulders have to be extended Drill 1 – Part a) - Hurdle cartwheel onto panel mat; Part b) - Round-off straight jump; Part c) - RO-BHS jump to The entry drills can be safely introduced early in a candle off panel mat/s gymnast’s vault training.

Drill 2 – RO-Back layout off one panel mat and (part a) A hurdle cartwheel step in (without rebound) onto a springboard panel mat is first used in order to introduce the athlete to performing an RO onto a springboard. It simplifies the Once the gymnast can proficiently perform Drill 1 part b, springboard entry and allows the gymnast to focus on the s/he can be introduced to doing an RO-back layout off the hurdle and leg drive. Once the gymnast can perform this panel mat and springboard onto stacked mats. The use of a proficiently without any major errors, s/he can move onto panel mat and springboard can be alternated from session doing an RO to straight jump. This is the time to refine the to session. As the gymnast develops proficiency in punching entry technique. through the springboard, using the panel mat should only serve as a side station,and eventually be removed.

To encourage the leg drive when first starting, the gymnast can have each end of a theraband tied to the gymnast’s legs. While working on Drill 2, the coach should have Drills 1 b Using a theraband helps develop the leg drive by giving extra and c (if gym circumstance allow) as side stations. Drill 2 resistance and greater proprioceptive awareness of how fast should progress to back layout 1 ¼ to candle onto mats s/he is driving and closing his/her legs. The elastic stacked at least at hip height properties of the band also help accelerate the closing of the legs. This can be used even with the RO if required, but not 16

Uzunov V. Teaching great Yurchenko layouts, Vol 5, 2011 The key technical points to focus on are: • • • • •

Good execution of the springboard entry as practiced in Drill 1.

High standing position on springboard impact Full extension of lower body and hips on take-off without leaning back.

Hips pressing up on take-off followed by a fast kick to candle shape (as required for a strong layout).

Good position in the layout (straight position and not hollow)

www.thegympress.net to perform this drill safely. The table height should be adjusted progressively, starting low and increasing the height progressively as the gymnast improves and shows they are ready. The benefit of this drill is the same as teaching front layout over table for handspring vaulting. If the gymnast can over rotate a back layout over the table, then they clearly have rotation/turnover to be able to complete the Yurchenko layout perfectly.

Progression 4 aims at developing a double layout off a springboard. It is also a very important though advanced progression in developing a strong turnover. The reason for Phase 2 – Turnover Turnover refers to the observable speed of rotation from this is due to all the mechanical similarities between the hands to feet during the round-off and from feet to hands double layout and the Yurchenko layout (figure 9) during the pre-flight to table contact. The ability of the gymnast to generate a high degree of turnover is paramount to his/her vault performance.

The ability of the gymnast to generate turnover during the pre-flight is mainly pre-determined by his/her execution and turnover of the RO during the entry phase.

Consequently, the entry phase should be constantly worked on and refined. Minor improvements in the entry phase will result in significant improvements in proceeding phases.

Despite the stated importance of the round-off, training for the round-off is not discussed in details. Coaches are advised to work and refine their gymnast’s round-off meticulously in the beginning of the gymnasts general and Yurchenko training.

To train the turnover the following progressions are recommended by degree of difficulty and mastery: Progression 1 - RO-BHS to handstand onto table height stack of mats. (5,7) Progression 2 -Round-off back layout in tight arch with arms to ears all the way (done into pit) (8) Progression 3 - Round-layout 1 ¼ over table height obstacle (11) Progression 4 - Round-off double layout off springboard (6) Aside from focusing on speed of turnover when coaching the turn-over, it is also a good time to develop the correct table contact positions and a fast reach back. For this the RO-BHS to handstand drill is critical and just like the entry a great deal of the training time should be devoted to contacting the table in the correct attack angle.

Figure 9 – (left) Double layout floor take-off. (right) Yurchenko board take-off. Notice the similarity in body positions on take-off between the double layout on floor and the Yurchenko springboard take-off.

This phase of training the Yurchenko is significantly harder to develop and takes considerable time to develop to an outstanding level. This is not to say that a gymnast who cannot perform a double layout off a springboard will not be able to perform a Yurchenko back tuck or layout. However, without question the execution of the vault will not be flawless and the deficiencies in the vault will likely be also the reason/s why they are not able to perform the double layout and vice versa (fear included).

Along with training the turnover the gymnast can be introduced to the blocking and rotation simultaneously.

Phase 3 – Blocking The ability of the gymnast to block and rotate a layout somersault from table contact is mainly determined by the turnover and angle of attack on table impact and, to a lesser but still significant degree, the gymnast’s strength/power through the shoulder girdle. For this reason the majority of training should be devoted to turnover and angle of attack instead of trying to correct table contact and post flight errors with more effort on the block.

Progression 2 aims to teach the gymnast the strong reach back while lifting the hips and maintaining a tight arch position similar to the pre-flight on the Yurchenko. The gymnast has to considerably increase his/her efforts on entry and take-off to over rotate the tight arch layout without letting the arms/shoulders drop away from the ears.

This drill also introduces the gymnast to the take—off for the For the most part the block action can be developed though double layout. the physical preparation exercises for blocking. However, below are a few specific drills/progressions that allow the Progression 3 should be carefully trained and consistently gymnast to develop a more realistic feel for the block action spotted until the coach is confident in the gymnast’s ability during the vault.

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Progression 1 - RO BHS block at HS to land flat on Figure 11 – Diagram of the round-off back handspring to stand high surface. – Figure 10 onto stack of mats progression. This drill teaches the gymnast to lift the chest up off the block.

The focus of this drill is to teach the gymnast to block off the table at or just prior to handstand. The stack of mats allows up’ action can be emphasised. It is vital that the gymnast the gymnast to confidently try and rise up vertically. It also maintain an open hip angle following the block off the table reinforces the ‘snap up’ action of the block instead of a snap- as well as ensuring a landing on the mats with over-rotation down action. The simplicity of the drill also allows the gymnast to work on the entry, turnover and attack angle.

Progression 3 - RO-BHS block to ¾ layout (candle) aka Yurchenko Timer – figure 12 (Video)

Figure 10 - Diagram of the RO-BHS block to land flat drill.

Figure 12 - Yurchenko timer. This drill demonstrates the Notice that that to perform this drill well the gymnast is expected gymnast’s physical and technical readiness to perform the vault. to be able to correctly execute the entry and angle of attack.

Errors in the entry and attack angle will aversely affect the gymnast’s ability to block at handstand and land flat.

This drill is the standard ‘timer’ for the Yurchenko vault.

This drill tests the gymnast’s ability to perform all 3 training phases: entry, turnover, and block. The aim is to show all Progression 2 - RO-BHS to stand on high surface – the key Yurchenko characteristics that have been trained Figure 11. thus far. Proficiency in this drill demonstrates the gymnast’s This drill is clearly builds upon progression 1, however the physical and technical readiness to perform the Yurchenko focus now shifts on the block and lift of the table. By having vault. the gymnast try to stand up onto a raised surface the ‘a snap.

When first introducing these drills, if the facilities allow, it is advisable to perform them onto stacks of mats to prevent wrist and shoulder overloading. As the gymnast’s proficiency in performing these drills improves, they can begin doing them over the table covered by an 8in mat.

This way the table is gradually introduced as well as allowing the gymnast to perform more repetition during training. Once the gymnast has mastered all drills and is approaching the competition season s/he can begin to use the actual table.

Along with training the block the gymnast can begin doing practice simulation drills for performing the somersaulting action.

Simulation and Performance Simulating the flipping of the Yurchenko vault can be done with a few simple yet effective drills. These drills help to 18

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reinforce a good block as well as teach the correct snap up of the upper body first and then an arm drop.| somersaulting action.

The gymnast should experiment performing the full vault occasionally into a loose foam pit, even prior to being able to Drill 1- RO-BHS to land on mat table high, perform all drills perfectly. This encourages greater effort in immediate back layout down to a lower surface – training and keeps up the level of motivation during Figure 13 training.

Once the gymnast is able to perform the Yurchenko timer ideally onto a raised surface with over rotation, they are able to begin performing multiple repetitions of the Yurchenko layout into a lose foam pit. The coach should push the gymnast to perform the vault progressively onto higher and higher stacks of mats, aiming to reach mats ½ the table height prior to performing the Yurchenko layout onto a landing surface and at competition.

CONCLUSION Figure 13 – The above drill helps simulate the Yurchenko layout vault. It forces the gymnast to work hard on performing the block The training of the Yurchenko layout vault can begin at an and snap-up action in order to land upright (as in the blocking early age by introducing the gymnast to the entry onto the springboard. The model presented in this article (figure 15) drill) in order to be able to rebound and perform a good layout. shows only one set of drills and progressions that are used to coach this vault. There are many more drills and Drill 2 – Standing BHS to Somersault off progressions that a coach can use. It is nevertheless springboard – figure 14 important to distinguish what the benefits are to each drill.

In this training methodology the focus is on developing a good height on springboard entry with a quick turnover in the round-off and pre-flight, and a high angle of attack on table contact. These are the main characteristics as identified in current scientific literature that distinguish great vault performances.

DISCLAIMER

Every care is taken to assure the accuracy of the information published within this article. The views and opinions expressed within this article, are those of the author/s, and no responsibility can be accepted by The Gym Press, Gym Coach or the author for the consequences of actions based on the advice contained herein

Figure 14 – This drill helps practice the block and flip of the hands, simulating the real vault. The gymnast is standing onto a panel of mats placed atop 2 springboards, which helps give the gymnast a greater block.

Drill 2 is a useful drill to help simulate the block to postflight of the Yurchenko vault. The coach should spot this drill at first. At first the drill should be done in an open tuck with the arms by the ears. The reason for this is to teach the gymnast to fully block and snap-up. If the gymnast is allowed to drop the hands by the sides from the beginning they will likely develop a bad habit of not completing the block in anticipation to speed up rotation. Once the gymnast is confident and able to perform an open tuck with their arms by the ears they can be allowed to do layouts with an arm drop, with the aim of showing the a full block with a 19

Yurchenko Model Summary

Figure 15 - A diagrammatical summary of the Yurchenko Layout training model

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Would like to thank the kind folks at American Gymnastics (Video on Demand) for posting great coaching video examples that were of use in this paper, Brennigan for giving up his time to be demonstrator and Lyubomir Uzunov for editing.

Address for correspondence: Uzunov V. JETS Gymnastics, Rochester MN, USA. Valentin.uzunov@gmail.com

REFERENCES and RECOMMENDED READINGS 1- Penitente G. Merni F. Fantozzi S. Perretta N. (2007). Kinematics of the springboard phase in Yurchenko-style vaults. International Society of Biomechanics in Sports, 25th International Symposium on Biomechanics in Sports 2- Koh, M. & Jennings L. (2007). Strategies in preflight for an optimal Yurchenko layout vault. Journal of Biomechanics, 40: 1256-1261 3- Cuk I. Karacsony I. (2004). Vault: Methods, Ideas, Curiosities, History. STD Sangvincki: Ljubjana, Slovenia 4- Trabanino E. (2008). Creating great Yurchenkos. Region 5 Congress, Indianapolis, IN 5- Rybacki S. (2008). Round-off Entry to Success. Region 5 Congress. Indianapolis, IN 6- Tracy ML (2005). Vaulting #14:Yurchenko Vault. USECA Video Club #181.

7- Hall (2007). Key skills in advanced gymnastics for girls and boys with Paul Hall: Dick 1 (DVD). Charles Minster Productions 8- Rand T (2001). Vaulting #9: Yurchenko Vaulting. USECA Video Club #141.

9- Davis J. (2006). Artistic Gymnastics: The Yurchenko. Gym Craft, Issue 21, June 10- Still C. (2000). Vault: The round-off vault p 34-39. Association of British Gymnastics Coaches 11 - Koh M. Sujae H. (2005). Understanding Technique Differences of the Women's Yurchenko Layout Vault-A Case study of a Local South-East Asian Games Level Gymnast. Asian Journal of Exercise and Sport Science. 2(1): 49-55 12 - Uzunov V. (2010). Qualitative description of the ideal Yurchenko layout vault technique. Gym Coach Journal. 4: 1-6, May 13 - Takei Y. (2007). The roche vault performed by elite gymnasts: somersaulting technique, deterministic model, and judges' scores. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 23, 1-11 14- Takei Y. Dunn, JH. Blucker EP. (2007).Somersaulting techniques used in high-scoring and low-scoring Roche vaults performed by male Olympic gymnasts. Journal of Sports Science, 25(6): 673-685 15- Takei Y. Dunn JH. Blucker E. (2003).Techniques used in high-scoring and low-scoring 'Roche' vaults performed by elite male gymnasts. Sports Biomechanics. 2(2), 141-162 16- Uzunov V. (2009). Sprint training for vault: Off-season training program for 7-12yr old gymnasts. Gym Coach Journal. 3:8-20, Nov

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