THE OFFICIAL TECHNICAL PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED STATES GYMNASTICS FEDERATION

June, 1988

PAID Permit No. 7867 Indianapolis, Ind.

Vol. 8, No.2

June, 1988

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Inside This Issue McDonald's Challenge: USA/USSR Men's Report

Biomechanics Of Re-lease-Reg rasp Skills In Gymnastics

Giant Counterswing Straddleback To Handstand

USGF Calendar of Events

USGF Safety Certi-fication Schedule

By Robert Cowan USGF Men's Pro­gram Administrator

By Hardy Fink Department Of P.E. U. Of British Columbia

By Gerald S. George USGF Director of Safety

16-17 Giant Swing To One- By Gerald S. George USGF Director of Safety

Half Turn

18-21 Running Technique For Vaulting

By Jim Holt Men's Head Coach U. Of Washington

2

Cover photo © 1988 USGF, by Dave Black

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TECHNIQUE is published quarterly for $12.00 by the United States Gymnastics Federation, Pan American Plaza, 201 S. Capitol Ave., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46225 (Phone: 317·237·5050). Third class postage paid at Indianapolis, IN. Subscription price: $12.00 per year in United States; all other countries $24.00 per year. Back issue single co­pies $2.00 plus $1 .00 postage/handling. All reasonable care will be taken, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited material; enclose return postage. © 1987 by USGF and Technique. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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Vol. 8, No.2

Publisher Mike Jacki

Education/Safety Editor Dr. Gerald George

Production Michael G. Botkin

UNITED STATES GYMNASTICS FEDERATION

BOARD OF DffiECTORS Executive Director: Mike Jacki; President: Mike Donahue; President Emeritus: Bud Wilkinson; Athletic Representa­tives: Lydia Bree, Thrn Beach, Peter Vidmar, Linda Kardos Barnett, Larry Gerard, Kathy Johnson, Brian Babcock, Kelly Garrison Steves; Amateur Athletic Union: JulIe Slc~els; American Sokol Organization: Norma Zabka; Ameri<:an Turners: David Barthold ; Junior Boys GymnastIcs Coaches Association: Rich Boccia· Men's Elite Coaches Association: Jim Howard· Nationa.1 Association for Girls and Women in Sports: D; Mi.llu Murray; National Associa­tion of Collegiate Gymnastics Men: Fred Roethlisberger; National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Women: Judi Avener; National Collegiate Athletic ABso.eiation: Sylvia Moore, Gail Davis, Nancy Latimore, Dave Ml~k~lson; National Federation of State High School AsSOCIations: Sharon \v~ch, Susan 1lue; National Gymnastics Judges Association: Harry Bjerke; National High School ~ym. nastics Coaches Association: John Brinkworth; National Jewish Welfare Board: Courtney Shanken; Rhythmic Coaches Association: Pauline David; Special Olympics, Inc.: Kate Faber; U.S. Association of Independent Gym Clubs: Ed Knepper' U.S. Elite Coaches Association for Women: Roe Kruet~er; U.S. Sports Acrobatics ~dera· tion: Thorn Blalock; Young Men's Christian AsSOCIation: Cliff Lothery.

UNITED STATES GYMNASTICS FEDERATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President: Mike Donahue; Secretary: Judi Avener; Vice President-,Women: Sue Anunerman; Vice President· Men: Jim Howard; Executive Director: Mike Jacki ; FIG Women's Technical Committee: Jackie Fie; FIG Rhythmic Technl· cal Committee: Andrea Sclunid' FIG Men's Technical Committee: Bill Roetzheim; Members-At.Large: Mike Mill· donis, Roe Kruetzer; Athlete Representatives: Kathy John· son, Peter Vidmar, Larry Gerard, Ly dia Bree; President Emeritus: Bud Wilkinson.

Associat. Content Editors SPORTS MEDICINE COMMITTt:t: Merrill A . Ritter, M .D . SAFETY COMMITIEE Dr. Man: Rabinoff EDUCATION COMMITfEE Dr. Garland Q'Quinn BIOMECHANICS COMMITfEE Dr. Marlene Adrian, Director SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY COMMITfEE Dr. Keith Henschen, Ph.D . EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY COMMITfEE Dr. rat Eisenman, Ph .D .

Unless expressly Identified to the contrary. all articles, s tatemen lS and views prin(ed herein are auributed soley to the autho r and the United 5ra(es Gymnasrics Federa(ion expresses n o opin· ion thereon and assumes no re sponsibi li( y thereof. .

Technique

1988 McDonald's

U.S. Gymnastics Championships

ROAD*TO

SED U L MCMLXXXVIII

July 7-10 The Road to Seoul begins in Houston

Don't miss this exciting national championship competition which also serves as a qualifying meet for the 1988 Olympic Games just two months away!!

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s" '-s ¢LJ'S ®

us. GYMNASTICS FEDERATION

The Summit

Good Seats Still Available

TICKET INFORMATION Tickets available at all Rainbow Ticketmaster and Ticketron outlets. To order tickets by phone, call Tick­etron at 713·526-1709, Mastercard or Visa only. For more information, call The Summit 713-961·9003.

Tickets available by mail: The Sum­mit, Dept. T, 10 Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX 77046. All-session passes are available. Ask about special discounts.

U.S. GY11NASTICS FEDERATION

COMPETITION SCHEDULE Thursday, July 7 Women's Compulsories 7 PM Friday, July 8 Men's all-around

Finals - session I 7 PM Saturday, July 9 Men's all-around

Finals - sesssion II 2 PM Women's all-around

Finals 8 PM Sunday, July 10 Jr. women's all-

around Finals 10 AM Men's & women's

event Finals 2 PM

Men's Report: USA-USSR Dual Meet

By Robert Cowan USGF Men's Program Administrator

Any objections the Men 's Program Committee had voiced about competing with the Soviet Union due to lack of opportunity to

learn, were erased April 23 during the McDonald 's Challenge: USA/USSR competition.

With excellent training sessions both before and after the competitions, with the use of compulsory exercises to pick the USA squad and with the genuine cooperativeness and friendli­ness of the Soviet coaches, judges and athletes, this was a great step in our preparations for September in Seoul.

In an interview with a Phoenix paper, Alexei Tikhonkikh, the Soviet great who became the alternate at this year's event was quoted as saying "gymnastics is serious fun." There are volumes in that one simple sentence. The Soviets do not seem burdened by the moral conscience of most Ameri­cans. In other words, they never thought twice about making every ef­fort to win every event, every medal.

The U.S.'s highest finish was a fourth place final tally in compulsories by Dan Hayden and a fifth place finish in optionals by Scott Johnson. Yet , even then the Soviets seemed unsatis­fied with the results .

Not the cold, uncaring automatons the press and other athletes have por­trayed them to be, we witnessed Leonid Archaev, the Soviet national coach wrestling with Yuri Korolev two­time world all-around champion and all-around champion of the 1988 USA­USSR dual meet. The Soviets enjoyed meeting the L.A. Lakers, and they genuinely enjoyed laying around the pool soaking up Arizona rays and sign­ing autographs for the young female groupies which inundated the hotel.

It is always difficult to equate how realistic scores are in a dual meet, as the usual games are played . The Soviet judges did not write down one thing, rather watched as interested tourists the routines and then flashed

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After finishing third in the NCAA Championship meet the week before, Kevin Davis came into the McDonald's Challenge: USA/USSR and gave a consistent performance. Above he executes his compulsory rings dismount. (All USGF photos © 1988, by Dave Black)

a score, sometimes with apparent sig­nals of ear touching, head genuflection or other attempts to communicate. However, in the opinion of all who were involved, the scoring was very ac­curate in an international way. Certain­ly higher than the USA, but one the less realistic in terms of international scoring .

COMPULSORY SESSION

The USA improved the com­pulsory team score from Rotterdam by almost 7 points and even if this as doubly more than realistic ,

3.5 in Rotterdam would have moved the team up four places. Overall , the

USA has improved tremendously but still notably deficient in several areas. Some of these areas are simple to cor­rect and hopefully with the input of Abie Grossfield, Mas Watanabe and the knowledge gained from studies of the films of the Soviets, this will be done by September.

Floor Exercise-The biggest differ" ence here is the rhythm with which the Soviets work. The U.S.'s backhand­springs appeared to be shorter and choppier than the Soviets. Also, the ex­tension of the legs, toe point, and the power into and out of certain skills and entire passes was more noticeable. Other areas: The Soviet's planche down to the splits from the handstand; they are more erect with their posture

Technique

Tom Schlesinger, who was recently the recipient of the 1987 Nissen Award, was part of an overall good performance by the Ameri­can squad against the Soviet Union.

and U.S. scales are piked somewhat, where theirs are fully extended.

Pommel Horse-The most notice­able difference here appeared to be Soviets swinging bigger than the Americans. Also, the Soviets were more square before and after skills. In other words, each skill looked finished. It had a definite beginning and ending, where the USA skills appeared hur­ried, cut off and even shrunk. This "BIG" swing appears to come from swinging higher (from the chest) and their shoulder flexibility seemed very apparent on this event. Also, they are looking further out when they swing. NOT UP, but out. In other words, if a gymnast of equal height from the hands to the head were swinging, their focal point might be 7 feet from the horse, and the Soviets might be 9 or 10 feet from the horse. Also, when their legs are split, they are "VERY" split. I feel this is strength, not flexibil­ity which allows them to carry the split position through the skills.

Still Rings-This is probably the event where the biggest difference

Technique

shows up, both compulsory and op­tional. Notable differences: the strength in the front lever; the straddle "L" was not held, but simply shown VERY well ; the swing in the front gi­ant was not labored, but very quick; they do use wide arm bails, even though we are told these are to be deducted; the swing through hand­stand positions was very precise and definite with a infinitesimal pause pri­or to dropping or bailing; their inlocate was more like a giant rather than a backrise hand and their entire swing was bigger or rounder, not elliptical.

Vaulting-The big difference here was the apparent opening of the vault prior to landing. However, of the six guys who jumped, there were at least three different and noticable tech­niques. However, the best vaults demonstrated a tuck, then an opening through a pike in the chest, then a. definite pike, then a stretch, then a stick on the landing. There was an ex-

Curtis Holdsworth was part of the U.S. ef­'fort which was the closest event between the two teams.

treme FAST opening of the legs. The best example of the manner in which the body opened is a New Year's Eve noisemaker which rolls out when air is blown into out and then curls up when finished.

Parallel Bars-This was the event, where the U.S. is closest to the Soviets. Highlights of the Soviet 's rou­tine were: a. jump to near 45 degrees on the mount b. mount with straight arms near handstand c. double leg cut is LOW and locks in with NO movement. U.S. is high and sometimes the kids dip (0.1-0.2) d. straight arm peaches, EVERYONE e. back rise hand into the pirouette is smoother, faster and totally non­appearing to have strength . The Soviets keep their chest down or "in" on this skill.

Horizontal Bar-The biggest differ­ences here are that the Soviets hit EV­ERY handstand possible in the routine. It appeared that their swing is more el­liptical at the ending of each skill, rather than circular. For example, on the weiler kip, it stalls at the top then kips in . It almost looked like parallel bar swinq . Also, the dismount is a mid-

5

It was nice to see Tim Daggett back and competing during the closed compulsory ses­sion. For his pommel horse routine Daggett scored a 9.75.

saito twist. The Soviets set off the bar, twist, spot the floor for brief instant and then stick.

In an interview with the New York Times, the reporter asked if I thought our team was intimidated or scared. It answered firmly and with conviction, "NO". However, after a few of our guys had committed errors and knew that they were going to be knocked out of the optionals, the wind appeared to go out of them. This bothered me. As a team, every man has to compete 100 percent, regardless of whether his per­sonal goals are no longer attainable. The Men's Program Committee had made this event a qualifying meet and ALL who went into optionals qualified.

OPTIONAL SESSION The optional session was one of the

best in which the USA has appeared since 1983, when the USA beat the Soviets in Florida.

Starting on floor exercise, the USA team hit all six routines with only a line fault deduction for Kevin Davis who did a 112 turn prone out of bounds. Valeri Ljukin attempted this famous triple and opened early and earned 9.45. Korolev went 10.0 with a great routine and Ar­temov was second at 9.9. Team score after floor was USSR-49.20 and USA 48.30. The 0.90 difference was about what had been expected.

Pommel Horse was the best event of the night for the Americans with all six men hitting and Belozerchev falling on on his 4th D! The difference in team score was 0.20 and the USA was 1.1 behind after two events.

Still Rings as mentioned earlier is the U.S.'s nemesis as the U.S. simply does not have the strength and Soviets and other nations have. They are ex­tremely strong, despite being so thin. Their arm muscles are almost un­noticeable. They give the appearance of having swimmer's smooth muscle. The exception is of course, Belozer­chev who is built like a freight train . However, the USA dropped only 0.85 to the Soviets as the team performed extremely well , hitting all routines and with few steps on dismounts. Lyukin and Belozerchev tied at 9.95 but Lyu­kin's routine was the best. Back kip to planche, bounce to cross (flawless),

6

back kip to "L". Press to handstand, back giant, back giant, guczoghy, whippet, swing h.s.; Layout full out, stick.

Vaulting was another event in which the U.S. competed very well (0.7 be­hind the Soviets) but how realistic this would be in the Olympics or World Championships is uncertain. Two vaults are 9.4 vaults and yet received 9.65 and 9.55 respectively. Also, Mike Rice and Korolev did the same air-walk layout Tsuk with the noticeable differ­ence being Korolev's form, distance and the fact that it is really a 9.4 vault which scores 9.90! With the code hav­ing 4 vault tables (8.7,9.0,9.3 and 9.6) the I:J.S. better have all 9.6 vaults in the future .

Parallel Bars continues to be an event where the U.S. needs to spend a lot of time. Not only on technique, difficulty and swing, but also on prepar­ing the bars. It took as long as one minute per gymnast to prepare the rails. This needs to be cut down to 20-30 seconds very soon. Chaplin led off for the USA and broke on his se­cond healey, receiving a 9.1 . Korob­chinsky went 9.8 for the first Soviet routine, and Holdsworth (USA) took steps on his dismount to go 9.45. Novikov went 9.85, Rice answered with a stuck set at 9.65. Korolev and Davis went 9.9 and 9.85 respectively. The scores continue to see-saw back and forth with the Soviets always get­ting a 0.1 more. In all, the Soviets defeated the U.S. by 0.925 on this event. All together the meet lasted 3'/2 hours and unlike the China dual meet

in 1985 which went five hours, this one was friendly in appearance. Most nota­ble routine was Belozerchev's 10.0 performance of Straddle cut mount, flairs to straddle planche, straight arm peach to glide, swing to handstand, healey, back stutz, but to "L", Press­back toss, back toss, pike double STICK.

Horizontal Bar was a great finale with the only break being Mike Rice missing a yeager and scoring 9.25. The Soviets outdistanced the Ameri­cans by 0.85 and scored two 10's, a 9.95, a 9.90 and 9.85. The USA high score was Dan Hayden at 9.90 with a great routine, much improved on the Kovacs and a step on the dismount. Notable routine was Korolev who mounted stemme piroutte, 1 arm giant, 1 arm tkachev, kip change to jam to in­verts (2), yeager, kip hop and layout 1/1 out.

Final score was USSR-295.65 and USA 291.175.

A major improvement and consider­ing that Tom Schlesinger and Charles Lakes were not in the line-up also gives hope to increased improvement by the Olympic Games.

A goal has to be for the USA to fin­ish in the top six in compulsories and hopefully hang on to stay in the top six. The U.S. MUST improve over the past two international efforts which results in a 9th place finish.

Finally, it was good to see Tim Dag­gett up working (he did pommel horse in the compulsory meet) and aSSisting Head Coach Fred Roethlisberger and Bill Meade in the optional meet.

Technique

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The Biomechanics Of Release - Regrasp Skills In Gymnastics

8

By Hardy Fink Department of Physical Education

University of British Columbia

The recent evolution of release skill on horizontal bar has generated considerable interest in how each of these skills is per­formed. It has also somewhat concealed the fact that release skills are regularly per­

formed on various other men's and women 's apparatus.

The profusion of release and reg rasp skills in gym­nastics has been so extensive that it would require volumes to describe and explain them all. It is far bet­ter to thoroughly understand the few underlying prin­ciples and then apply them to the study of existing skills of interest or possible innovations.

As the name "release-regrasp" suggests each of these skills has several parameters each of which must be understood: 1. Release phase 2. Flight phase 3. Regrasp phase

Release Phase The most important determinant in th~ successful

performance of these skills is the "Release phase" or, perhaps more precisely, the "moment of release. " It is during that phase and at that moment that each of these critical parameters is decided. 1. Trajectory and path of the centre of gravity

a) angle of release (of C. of G.) b) possible angle of regrasp (of C. of G.) c) vertical velocity d) horizontal velocity e) height f) distance g) direction

2. Time in the air 3. Angular momentum of the body

a) moment of inertia about the axes b) angular velocity

Even without discussing these parameters in depth (many of them are interrelated) it follows that if a per­formance error is identified as involving anyone of them , then the error was made during the "release phase." Most of the errors that we attempt to correct in the "flight phase" are only symptoms of a release error. In all cases that release error is one of incorrect force application because the characteristics of the ap-

plied force (magnitude, direction, point and/or time of application) during the "release phase" completely determine the characteristics of the subsequent "flight phase."

More specifically - and this will become clear in the ensuing discussion - three biomechanical concepts are crucial to the "release phase." These are: 1. Transfer of angular momentum 2. Action - reaction 3. Reaction force

These three are interrelated in the sense that the ex­istence of one implies the existence, usually, of the others. For this discussion the interaction of these three concepts requires external contact - in fact only "action-reaction" of the three can occur without ex­ternal contact. 1. Transfer of angular momentum

A strong flexion or extension at the hips (for ex­ample) creates considerable angular momentum (AM) in the legs. If the legs are then suddenly stopped it can be said that AM will be transferred to the total body.

2. Action-reaction Assuming the body is free of external forces or

of external contact then a strong action (i.e ., lifting the legs (hip flexion) will have the effect of causing the torso also to flex towards the legs as a reaction.

3. Reaction force In external support situations the reaction to the

action (i.e ., lifting the legs) is restrained because of the contact. This will cause a force to be applied in the direction of expected reaction at the contact point or surface. The contact surface responds with a reaction force in a direction opposite to the applied force .

All "release-regrasp" skills can and should be analyzed during the release phase according to the interplay of these three concepts as the following ex­amples should illustrate:

The Tkatchev This contemporary skill , though conceived in 1969

and first performed in 1975 is still of considerable in­terest and is still poorly understood.

Prior to discussing the critical components necessary for success it should be mentioned that the swing parameters must be optimized . 1. The Tkatchev is initiated with a strong extenstion at

the hips (leg extension, frames 2-4). This relates back to the three concepts as follows:

Technique

I •

a) The strong leg extension introduces a component of angular momentum in the forward rotating direction. When the extension stops just prior to release at about frame 7 or 8 that component of angular momentum is transferred to the whole body in the desirable forward direction.

b) The strong leg extension results in a concommit­tant hyper extension (reaction) in the upper body and arms. This reaction however is restrained by the contact with the bar and serves therefore as a downward force on the bar.

c) The downward force on the bar is accompanied by the desired upward reaction force of the bar at the point of contact (the hands) . This serves to raise the body of the gymnast vertically and also, because it is applied far from the centre of gravity, serves as a torque which causes forward rotation during the "flight phase."

The Jaeger The Jaeger saito was first performed internationally

in 1974 in the form shown below: 1. The Jaeger similarly to the Tkatchev, is initiated with

a strong leg extension at the hips (frames 3-6). Again this relates to the three identified "release" concepts as follows:

Technique

•

)

a) The strong leg extension introduces a component of angular momentum in the forward rotating direction. When the extension stops (around frame 6) that component of angular momentum is transferred to the whole body in the desired for­ward direction.

b) The strong leg extension is accompanied by the reaction of an upper body extension but this is restrained by the contact with the bar, and there­fore acts as an approximately upward directed force against the bar.

c) The force applied against the bar as a result of the reaction to the leg extension action results in the bar exerting an equal and opposite reaction force: In this case directed downward. Since it acts far from the centre of gravity it serves as a torque which gives the body additional forward angular momentum during the flight phase.

Flight Phase The flight phase in all skills including the Tkatchev

and the Jaeger is relatively easy to understand because all of the parameters critical to success have been de­termined during the release phase.

In most cases, and it is evident in these two skills ,

9

GYMNASTICS SAFETY

FI SECg

1

l\LWAYS VIDEO

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Gymnastics Federation has developed a safety video, that gives athletes, coaches and club owners easy and enjoyable method of disseminating safety informa tion. Featuring Olympic gold medalist Bart Conner and Peter Vidmar, along with silver medalist Kathy Johnson, Abie Grossfeld, Greg Marsden, Judy Avener and Bela Karolyi. Truely a state of the art method to teach gymnastic safety and awareness . Delivered price: $29.95 to USGF Members*

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the body should be relatively stretched at the moment of release (large moment of inertia) . This permits the body to be piked and straddled in the air which causes an increase in the angular velocity of the gymnast such that the skills (which both require considerable forward rotation) can be completed.

Regrasp Phase If the skill has been performed well then the gym­

nast will have time to stretch again prior to contact (frame 19 Tkatchev; frame 12 Jaeger). This has the ef­fect of slowing down the speed of rotation (angular ve­locity) and allowing the gymnast to control the reg rasp and to reduce the jerk often seen after a regrasp.

A II gymnastics skills that involve a "re­lease phase" or a "takeoff phase" should be analyzed in tis manner in order to understand how the skill should be per­formed. Some practice with sequence

photos or drawings should help coaches become profi­cient at this form of analysis.

It is possible to work backward or forward in the process of analysis. For instance working backward, one can determine that it is important to generate for­ward rotation and then identify the reaction force that will serve as a forward torque; then the force applied to which the apparatus reacted; then the reaction of the body that created the applied force; then the ac­tion to which the "contact end" of the body reacted. In most cases this action also serves to transfer angu­lar momentum in the desired direction to the body.

Working forwards one can follow the steps as illus­trated here for the Tkatchev and the Jaeger.

Many of the present generation of "release and regrasp" skills and all of the next generation of such skills will require maximum reaction forces from the ap­paratus. To create these the initial body action (i.e., hip extension, etc.) must be maximally strong and must cre­ate maximum angular momentum (fast and stretched!). Stated in another way: For each of the three concepts of transfer of angular momentum, action-reaction and reaction force the gymnast must be able to generate enough power (fast force) in the major muscle groups and to do this with maximum extention of body parts (good form). To achieve these results it is important for the gymnasts to have undergone excellent physical and technical preparation. It is not the impressive "flight phases" that are difficult; it is generating correct forces in the "release phase" that is. Only by concentrating on and understanding that phase can our frequent "fright" elements become the flight elements we desire.

Technique

u.s. GYMNASTICS FEDERATION

SAFETY CERTIFICATION TESTING

Everyone Needs To Be Safety Certified 1. Promotes a safer teachinsneaming enviroriment. 2. Reduces insurance premIUms. 3. Identifies your commitment to your profession, your sport and

your athletes. 4. Implementation of stricter safety practices will help reduce the

chances of accidents and/or injunes. 5. Helps in membership recruitment.

General Points of Information

1. The text book for the Certification Course is the USGF GYM­NASTICS SAFETY MANUAL. This text/reference manual is to be purchased and studied prior to course participation.

2. The course will take approximately six hours, including the test.

3. The Course fee is $100.00 (retest cost is $25.00). 4. Certification is good for four years .

Participation Registration Form Name: Mr.lMrs.lMs.

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Thesday & Wednesday, June 14 & 15, 1988 East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania - 7:00-1O:00pm both evenings International Gymnastics Center Course Director: Dr. Gerald George -318-988-1220 Local Contact: Bruno Klaus - 717-629-0244 This course will be conducted concurrent with the 1988 USGF International Coaching Summit. Send registrations to the USGF address listed below.

Saturday, July 9, 1988 Houston, Thxas - 9:00am-5:00pm Stouffers Greenway Plaza Hotel 6 Greenway Plaza East Houston, TX 77046 713-629-1200 This course will be carried out concurrent with the 1988 USGFlMcDonald's US Gymnastics Championships by several USGF National Certifiers. Send registrations to the USGF address listed below.

Thursday, July 14, 1988 VIrginia Beach, VIrginia - 2:00-9:00pm Pavillion Thwers - 800"468-2224 Course Director: Cathy Finkel - 201-263-1534 Course Contact: Geri Johnston - 201-762-5222 This course will be conducted concurrent with the Region VII Mini CongresslNAWGJ Regional Symposium.

Sunday, July 17, 1988 Harrisonburg, VIrginia - l:00-8:00pm James Madison University Goodwin Hail, Room 106 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA 22807 Course Director: Scott Gauthier - 703-568-3684

Sunday, September 11, 1988 St. Louis, Missouri - 12:00n-7:00pm Double 'free Hotel 16625 Swingly Ridge St. Louis, MO Course Director: Ray Overmann - 314-569-1179 Local Contact: Pam Weber - 314-569-1179 This course will be conducted in conjunction with the Mid-West Coaches Conference.

Thursday, October 13 & Sunday, October 16, Anaheim, California Anaheim Hilton and Thwers 777 Convention Way Anaheim, CA 92802-3497 714-750-4321 These courses will be conducted by several USGF National Certifiers during the USGF National Congress. Please send registrations to: USGF Department of Safety Pan American Plaza Suite 300 201 South Capitol Indianapolis, Indiana 46225 317 -237 -5050

Dates, Times and Locations will all be listed in USA GYMNASTICS and USGF TECHNIQUE. They can also be checked by calling the USGF Department of Safety

and Education at (317) 237-5050

Giant Counterswing Straddleback To Handstand

A-B-C

COD

D-E

12

Gerald S. George, Ph.D. U.S.G.F. Director of Safety

Keep Wrists Flat. Do not arch (hyperex­tend) wrists onto top of bar. Keep wrists aligned with forearms.

Complete 9/10's of a Giant Swing. Body sequentially unfolds from a hollowed shape into a straight-line shape and ar­rives just short of top-dead-center. Drive Heels into a Slightly Arched To­tal Body Shape. Maintain eye contact with bar. Quickly Hollow in Shoulder/Chest Area and Slip-Grip. Notice the "pronounced" overgrip reg rasp (E).

E-F-G-H

H-I-J

K-L-M

M

GRID O.1ANG£, AT £,

c

f

Extend Total Body into a Slightly Arched Shape. Hollow the Body in a Progressive Sequence. First bend at hip jOints, then lumbar, then trunk and finally at the shoulder jOints.

Straddle Laterally and NOT Frontally. Maintain for-downward push (tension) against bar. Release-Regrasp Must Be Instantane­ous. Quickly reach for and reg rasp low­er rail as legs continue to straddle later­ally en route to a straight-line body shape. Attain Fully Extended Body Shape in Handstand Position.

Giant Counterswing Straddleback to Handstand

Technique

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TWI~

· lNLARGlMlNTS 5WOW QIGI-lT WAND WSAD.ING TWO FING('R DOLL GRIP

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TeChniqUe gives the gymnastics professional, as well as the enthusiast, a clear jump on the rest

;f! ~*' ~rf$'~ *' IF ~%' r*, fh. ~

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Phone Check one 0 Gymnast/Age __ o Parent 0 Coach 0 Other _ _

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EVENT SCHEDULE (Dates & Events subject to change or cancellation)

1988

June 14-16 International Coaches

Summit Stroudsburg, PA 18-19 U.S. Classic Nationals (W) Atlanta , GA 21-28 Moncada Cup (M/w) Santiago City, Cuba 23-26 JR/SR Training Camp -

Classic Qualifier (W) TBA 24-26 Junior Olympic Boys

Nationals (M) Albuquerque, NM TBA Canadian Classic (W) Canada

July 1-2 Princess Grace Cup (R) Monaco 1-8 Jr. Pan American

Games (M/w/R) Puerto Rico 5-12 Rhythmic Coaches/

Judges Clinic Marquette, MI 7-10 McDonald 's U.S. Gymnastics

Champs (M/w) Houston, TX 14-17 Region VII Mini-

Congress Virginia Beach, VA 14-19 1989-92 Jr. Olympic Compulsory

Routine Filming Indianapolis, IN 19-26 SR Elite Training Camp (R) Marquette, MI 26-Aug 2 JR Elite Training Camp (R) Marquette, MI 29-Aug 7 Olympic Trials (M/w/R) Salt Lake City, UT TBA Women's Training Camp Indianapolis, IN

August 2-9 Class I Training Camp (R) Marquette, MI 5-7 JR. International Invitational (M/w) Cuba 9-16 Class II Training Camp (R) Marquette, MI 13 JeHerson Pilot Olympic

Promotion Charlotte, NC 13-18 10-12 J.O. Boys

Cam~ Colorado Springs, CO

14

~rn~[iJu CALENDAR

14-26 Jr. Boys Development 26-Jan 3 Jr. Boys National Testing Camp Colorado Springs, CO & Training Colorado Springs, CO

14-Sep 6 Men's Olympic Team 26-Jan 4 National Team Training Camp (M) Indianapolis, IN Camp(R) TBA

14-Sep 6 Women 's Olympic Team TBA ·BAGA International Camp (W) California Tournament (M/w) London, England

16-23 Class III Training TBA • JR/SR Training Camp-Camp (R) Marquette, MI Classic Qualifiers (W) TBA

26-Sep 3 JR. National Team Camp Colorado Springs, CO

1989 September

11 -15 FIG Congress Seoul, Korea Seoul, Korea

March ·4-5 McDonald 's American 17-0ct 2 Olympic Games (M/w/R)

Cup (M/w) • Fairfax, VA

3-15 13-16 29-30

October Wacoal Cup (R) USGF National Congress Konica Cup Rhythmic

Int'! Invitational

November

Tokyo, Japan Anaheim , CA

Springfield, MA

·9 McDonald's Int'I Mixed Pairs (M/w) TBA

TBA • USSR International Tournaments (M/w) Moscow/Leningrad ,

USSR TBA • Austrailian

Games (M/w) Melbourne, Australia

4-6 SR Nat'! Team Coaches Training Camp (W) TBA

TBA April

U.S. Rhythmic Gymnast ics 5-23 Junior Boys Development Champs (R) TBA Camp Colorado Springs, CO

TBA American Classic TBA • Swiss Cup (M/w) Switzerland Nationals (W) TBA TBA ·Chunichi Cup (M/w) Japan

NCCA National Championships (M) TBA NCAA National Championships (W) TBA McDonald 's Challenge

TBA • Brazil Cup Brazil 13-15 14-15 ·28-30 December

2-4 DTB Poka Cup (M/w) Stuttgart, USA vs USSR TBA ·World Sports Fair (M/w) Tokoyo, Japan Int'I Tournament of

W. Germany 2-8 Pacific All iance Championships China

TBA TBA

Champions (M/w) Cottbus, GDR 9-12 SR Nat'l Team Training . Coupe D'Excelience (M) Montreal, Canada Camp (W) TBA TBA

11 -18 FIG Men's 7th Int'I Judges May Course Magglingen, Swit.

1989-92 JR Olympic Compulsory 15-18 Senior National Team 19-22 Training Camp (M) Colorado Springs, CO Workshop (W) Terre Haute, IN

SR. Elite Regionals (M) Various Sites 24..Jan 1 Israel Cup (M) Jerusalem, Israel 20-21

USGF Merchandise P.O. Box 5562

Indianapolis, IN 46255-5562

Microcomputer software for gymnastiCS scoring, written exclusively for the United states Gymnastics Federation. • For IBM and IBM 100% comparable micro­

compurers (wirh 2 fl oppy disc drives or hard drive)

• Handles 60 reams and 999 gymnasrs percom­peririon

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Technique

THE ROAD TO SEOUL STARTS IN SALT LAKE

PRE SEN T N G:

u.s. OLYMPIC GYMNASTICS TRIALS JULY 29 THROUGH AUGUST 6,1988

S ee the best of America in the Salt Palace as Salt Lake City hosts the top 60 Olympic hopefuls. A men's and

women's gymnastics team, along with a rhythmic gymnastics team, will be selected to go for the gold as the United States Olympic Gymnastics Team in Seoul, Korea! Gymnasts will compete in a broad variety of events, induding floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vaulting, parallel bars, horizontal bar, balance beam, and uneven parallel bars. In addition, enjoy the elegance of rhythmic gymnasts competing for a spot on the Olympic squad.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Rhythmic Preliminaries .... July 29 Rhythmic Finals .......... July 30 Practice Days .. . . ... August 1 & 2 Men's Compulsories . . ... August 3 Women's Compulsories .. August 4 Men's Finals . . . ........ August 5 Women's Finals .... . . .. August 6

Note: Tentative schedule - dates may VIII)'.

HOSTED BY:

FOR TICKETS: 1-8Q0.888-SHOW TICKET INFORMATION: 1-801-363-7681 HEADQUARTERS: Little America Hotel 1-800-453-9450 VISITOR INFORMATION: 1-8Q0.831-4332

U S F United States Gymnastics Federation

Giant Swing To One-Half Turn Gerald S. George, Ph.D.

U.S.G.F. Director of Safety

A-B-C Maintain Fully Extended Straight­Line Body Shape. The total body unit maintains full ex­tension for as long as possible during the descent phase.

C-O-E-F Hollow the body in a Progressive Sequence. First bend at hip joints (0), then lum­bar (E), and finally in the upper back region (F). Progressively bend the body only as much as is necessary to clear the lower rail.

F-G Drive Heels into a Slightly Arched Total Body Shape. This rapid body shape change should be achieved just as the feet clear the lower rail.

G-H-I-J-K Quickly Accelerate Feet Through the Bottom and into the Upswing. Body forcefully moves into a hollowed shape by a vigorous foot-lead action. This is accomplished by first bending at hip joints (I), then lumbar (J), and fi­nally in the upper back region (K). The total body should be positioned slight-

USGF Official Gymnastics Safety Manual

K-L

L-M-N-O

- Official manual for USGF Safety Certification Program

- Designed to raise the level of safety awareness in the entire industry.

U.S. GYMNASTICS FEDERATION

Iy to the side of the intended direction of turn. However the actual initiation of the turn should not as yet have occurred. Body Extends INTO the One-Half Turn. First the body begins to extend (se­quentially unfold) from its hollowed shape and then the one-half turn is in­itiated by using a counterlorce push of the hands against the upper bar rail. The one-half turn should be initiated with as much of the total body unit as possible.

INTERPRETATION I - BLIND CHANGE UPON RELEASE Maintain Vigorous Back-Downward Push Against the Bar with the Sup­port Hand As the body extends into the one-half turn , the support hand continues to push forcefully against the bar in a back-downward direction. Maintain eye contact with bar. The entire one-half turn should be in­itiated, executed and completed dur-

- Includes chapters on: The Need for Safety; Legal

Responsibility of Instructor; Accident

Prevention

A Must For Every Serious Gymnastics Professional

To orde r e ithe r th e Gy mnastics or Trampoline Sa fe ty M~ nllals , spnd check or money order to:

USGF Mercha ndising P.O . Box 5562 Indianapoli s, Indiana 46255-5562

#6001 USGF Safety manual (quant.) __ x $16.45 = __

#6002 Trampoline Sa fety Manual (quant.) __ x $ 9.95 = __

Allow 4-6 weeks for d t· li ve ry.

Ed ited by Gera ld S. Ct'lIr~t..· . Ph .D.

16

Total amount enclosed __ Edited by Willia m A lli so n

Technique

O-P

L-M-N-O

Technique

ing the second-half of the upswing phase. Fully Extended Body Shape Slight­ly Short of Top Dead Center. Upon mixed-grip regrasp, performer immediately changes to a double over­grip handgrasp in preparation for the next element.

INTERPRETATION II - HOP PIRROUETTE Essentially the Same Mechanics as in the Blind Change Except That

O-P

There is a: 1. More vigorous body extension

action. 2. More forceful back-downward push

by both hands against the bar pri­or to initiation and release.

3. A one-two sequence cadence for both release and reg rasp phases.

Fully Extended Body Shape Slight­ly Short of Top Dead Center. Performer arrives in said position with a double overgrip handgrasp in prepa­ration for the next element.

17

Running Technique For Vaulting

By Jim Holt University of Washington

The potential effectiveness of any vault is largely predi­cated on the quality of the run. Obviously, the faster the gymnast runs in his

approach, the greater the force he generates as he makes contact with the vaulting board, and the greater the postflight height and distance. While recently a significant amount of literature1 has been directed at step sequence and other forces generated at the hurdle, there has been little com­mentary in the gymnastics communi­ty on the running techniques which enable a gymnast to attain maximum speed.

Speed in running is the product of length of stride and stride frequency. "Running speed is completely deter­mined by just two factors. Stride length(SL) and stride frequency(SF). The product of these two factors is equal to the speed. For example, an athlete with a stride length of seven feet and a stride frequency of five per second is running at 35 feet per second. Speed = SL x SF

= 7 feet x 5 per second = 35 feet per second." 2

Therefore, the ONLY way in which a person can improve running speed is by improving one or both of these factors. The techniques of sprinting must be rehearsed at slow speeds and then transferred to runs at maximum speed. In this sense, sprint training is directly related to gymnastics as an ex­ercise in motor learning. Stride length can be improved by developing mus­cular strength, power, strength endur­ance, and proper running technique. 3

It should be noted that flexibility is an important component of the physical preparation for running due to the im­portance of appropriate range of mo­tion on technique.

The first step in developing a gym­nastics sprint program is to instruct gymnasts on the correct techniques of running. Efficient technique maximizes

18

stride length and allows development of stride rate. Watching videos of track and field athletes such as Carl Lewis or Daley Thompson is an easy way to illustrate proper technique to gym­nasts. Sprinters run with the head neu­tral and with a slight forward body lean. The amount of forward lean will be contingent on acceleration. The facial muscles and jaw should be relaxed. The hands have thumb and forefinger touching, and the other 3 digits curled and relaxed. The hand should be open

Scott Johnson sprints up the vaulting run· way during the team finals of the 1987 World Championships in Rotterdam, the Nether­lands. (USGF photo © 1987, by Dave Black)

(as opposed to a fist) . These elements keep the musculature in the chest and shoulder girdle relaxed, and allow the arms to swing freely and powerfully through their full range of motion.

As the arm swings forward, the knuckles of the hand should lift to chin height. The arm bend between the

Technique

forearm and the upper arm creates an angle less than 45°. On the back­swing, the elbow is at shoulder height and arm angle should open to 90°. Also, the direction of the arms should be directly forward and backward, like pistons. The elbows are in close to the body and the arms should lightly brush the lats. The hands should not break the plane of the body. Any deviation from this will create an automatic body compensation that will retard the de­velopment of speed. For example, when the left arm breaks the plane of the body on the front swing, a common compensatory motion is a lateral exter­nil whip of the lower right leg.

Gymnasts should note the interrela­tionship between arms and legs in run­ning. As an athlete strides forward with the leg, the opposite arm will swing for­ward in synchronization. Therefore, the more powerful an arm swing, or longer the range of arm motion, theo­retically the longer the stride length will be. It is vital then, within currently known parameters that gymnasts not compromise arm action on their vault­ing approach. Conversely, when run­ners utilize faulty arm swing, the mechanics of the stride of the legs are directly (and of course adversely) af­fected either by a shortening of the stride or its rate.

The knees should lift to hip height during the front part of the stride. The lower leg does not fully extend at ground contact and the ball and then the heel should make contact, not vice versa. The trail leg extends fully, driv­ing powerfully off the foot and upon release from the ground, the heel kicks powerfully up into the gluteals/but­tocks. This is the key body action since the heel kick will a.) throw the femur forward, and thereby increase the stride length due to the action/reaction transfer of momentum, and b.) allow the leg to move more quickly to the shortening of the radius during the for­ward swing.4 Therefore, the greater and more powerful the heel lift, the longer the stride.

It is important that the legs (as the arms) drive straight forward and not move laterally. Additionally, the feet should be pointed straight ahead and the legs should be in a forward direc­tion during the stride. The heel kick should also extend straight up and down. The contact with the ground is a rolling action on the balls of the feet. While there have been great sprinters with idiosyncratic styles (Bob Hayes and Elry Hirsch come immediately to

Technique

mind), it is imperative to recognize the impediments to speed development that faulty mechanics entail. 5,6

While we have largely confined our­selves to the mechanics of the stride "during the run," the start should be examined as well. While it is known that optimal velocity can be reached in 12-13 strides7 , the sooner a runner reaches top speed, the potentially more powerful the vault. This relates to the theoretical application of power as it pertains to the alactic nature of the punch and block phases of the vault.s The most effective means of getting into a stride quickly from a standing p0-sition is a "rocking step" in which an athlete shifts his weight from a back leg to a front leg while simultaneously swinging his opposite arm. Unlike sprinters, gymnasts cannot take ad­vantage of starting blocks; unlike dis­tance runners, we have the advantage of not having to initiate our run in response to a starting gun.

Since a gymnast knows which is his first step, he can put that foot back, shift his weight, and synchronize his arms so that he can drive into his stride on the first step rather than take sever­al steps to accelerate into a run; a vaulter who does not rock into his first step is largely wasting the first 3-4 steps of his run!

There are many drills that can be used to enhance technique and to de­velop stride length and cadence:

1 . Heel kicks: The heel kicks are the single most important sprint exercise.9

Gymnasts should run at 1/4 to 1/2 speed taking relatively short stride lengths but emphasizing lift of the heel; for pur­poses of the drill, hitting the buttocks with the heel is quite acceptabe; em­phasis is placed on a quick, powerful lift off the ground, but attention can also be paid to proper arm swing.

2. Running in place with tubing: gymnasts in this exercise can concen­trate on technical aspects of striding as well as the cadence. Because of the phenomenon of synchronization, if one speeds up the arm action, the legs will automatically increase their rate. Be­cause a gymnast is running stationary, he can be placed in front of a mirror where he can actually see his tech­nique. Stationary running is an excel­lent way to not only work on technique, but to attempt to increase stride rate. Because stationary running heightens a gymnast's awareness of the syn­chronization between the arms and legs, speeding up the arm action (by moving through an increasingly

smaller range of motion) will increase stride rate.

3. Little feet: although the possibi­liy of significantly increasing stride rate is disputed10 by many track and field experts, exercises that emphasize this element of running are included in most contemporary sprint programs. This drill exclusively focuses on rate; over a 40-50 foot length, a gymnast runs as fast as he can taking the smallest steps possible; also, em­phasise very quick, small arm swing (the hands will move in small circles).

4. Running downhill: is a relatively controversial exercise, whose intent is to increase stride rate. Incline should be no more than 5 0. This is not consi­dered a good exercise for young ath­letes due to the stress on the patellar tendon on impact.

5. Running backwards: an excel­lent drill for emphaSizing heel lift and technique, gymnasts should run back­ward at half-speed, lifting heel to gluteals and reaching or "crabbing" backwards with the lower leg, and lift­ing elbows high at the end of the backswing.

6. High knee kicks: promote stride lengths by emphasizing the lift of the floor and the power kick in the front part of the stride.

7. Stag leaps (also called Bound­ers): is the oppOSite exercise to Little Feet; an athlete attempts to travel us­ing the fewest number of strides pos­sible. In this exercise, he exaggerates the left off the back leg and the knee kick on the front side to create the lon­gest possible stride.

8. Power Skips: is an exercise com­bining High Knee Kicks and Bound­ers: a gymnast should skip with exag­gerated arm swing on both sides and high knee lift to create a long, power­ful skip; the skip with the lead leg should be a quick thrust forward.

9. Frog Leaps: develop strength and power in the front quadriceps; this relates exclusively to development of stride length; CAVEAT: this exercise should be approached with caution by children due to the stress put on the knee joint.

10. Running Stairs: is a time­honored means of developing power and strength in a stride; adolescents should not use this particular exercise due to stress on the achilles on ascent and jarring of knees on descent. Addi­tionally, there is some evidence that Osgood-Slaughter's can be aggravat­ed by such an exercise;ll stairs should be avoided until the epiphesis of the bones close.

19

Table 1: Running Drills: What they develop

Drill Technique heel kicks x tubing x little feet downhill backwards x high knee kicks bounders x power skips x frog leaps stairs

The optimal time for working a run­ning mezocycle for vaulting is at the beginning of fall training ; a sample training program might follow the schedule below:

WEEK ONE: 3 workouts, 20 minutes each. -proper running technique is in­

troduced and drilled @ '/2 speed (sprints of approx. 30 meters)

WEEK TWO Monday -1/2 speed technique 6 x 30-35 m. -heel kicks 4 x. 35 m. -running backwards 6-8 x 30-35 m.

(heavy emphasis on form)

Wednesday -heel kicks 6 x 35 m. -high knee kicks 4-6 x 30-35 m. ('/2

speed) -running in place with tubing: 10

minutes

Friday -'/2 speed 4 x 35 m. -heel kicks 4 x 35 -backwards 4-6 x. 35 -power skips 6-8 x 35

WEEK THREE Monday -tubing 10-15 x 20 seconds -1/2 speed technique 8 x 35 m. -power skips 6-8 x. 35 m.

Wednesday -1/2 speed technique 4 x 35 -heel kicks 4 x 35 -backwards 4 x 35 -powr skips 4 x 35

Friday -1/2 speed technique 2 x 35 m. -heel kicks 4-6 x 35 m -backwards 2 x 35 -power skips 4-6 x 35 -little feet 4 x 2-25 m.

20

Stride Length Stride Rate x

x x x x x

WEEK FOUR Monday

x x x

-heel kicks 4-6 x 30-35 m. -backwards 2-4 x 35 m -high knees 4 x 35 -power skips 6-8 x 35 -little feet 4-6 x 20

Wednesday -tubing 6-8 x 20 secs. -heel kicks 4 x 35 -power skips 4 x 35 -bounders 4 x 35 -little feet 2-4 x 20-25 Friday -heel kicks 4 x 35 -power skips 4-6 x 35 -bounders 4 x 35 -races (30-35 m.); put athletes in

groups and allow them to go full speed; this is excellent group activity after several weeks of drills

-little feet 2-4 x 20 (after races; most male gymnasts will go to next event laughing!)

WEEK FIVE Monday -'/2 speed technique 4 x 35 -heel kicks 4 x 35 -high knees 4 x 35 -power skips 4 x 35 -bounders 4 x 35 -rock steps (practice in conjunction

with 3 step acceleration to vaulting board)

Wednesday -heel kicks 4 x 35 -backwards 2-4 x 35 -high knees 2-4 x 30-35 -power skips 4-6 x 30 -bounders 4-6 x 30 -little feet 4 x 20

Friday -heel kicks 4 x 35 -power skips 4 x 30 w/heavy empha-

sis on arm action -races

WEEK SIX (optional) Monday -heel kicks 4 x 35 -high knees 4 x 35 -bounders 2-4 x 35 -power skips 6-8 x 35 Wednesday -tubing 10 x 20 secs. -heel kicks 4 x 35 -rock steps in conjunction with board

drills Friday -heel kicks 4-6 x 35 -power skips 6 x 35 -bounders 6 x 35 -full sprints 6-8 x 25 (heavy empha-

sis on technique) WEEK SEVEN -introduction of board drills with em­

phasis on hurdle step and preflight; this is opportunity to heavily empha­size rock step, and its transition peri­od to vaulting over the horse In conclusion , there is a direct corre­

lation between the power generated in the run and the postflight height and distance on the vault. It is therefore vi­tal to the outcome of the vault to de­velop proper running mechanics and the concommittant strength and pow­er to maximize running speed . This in turn entails a reassessment of the preparatory phase of an annual train­ing cycle as it pertains to vaulting . By adapting the techniques, drills, and body of information already estab­lished through track and field studies, vaulters can build a foundation which will ultimately advance the limits of the event.

NOTES 1. specifically Sand, W. & Cheetham, P., (1986). " Velocity of the Vault Run," Technique (USGF Technical journal) V.6 N.3 pp 10-14 and Mizoguchi, H. & Cheetham , P. (1984) " Number of Steps in Vaulting Run. " Paper presented to 1984 United States Gymnastics Federation Coaches Congress, Indianapolis, Indiana. 2. Hay, J.G. (1984) " Speed Development", Na­tional Strength and Conditioning Association Journal, January 1984 p. 12 3. McFarlane, B. (1984) " Developing Maximum Running Speed", NSCA Journal Oct-Nov. 1984 p. 24 4. Brittenham, D.R., (1984). " Speed Develop­ment" NSCA Journal, Jan. 1984 p. 18 5. Mann , R. (1984) " Speed Development" NSCA Journal, Jan . 1984 p. 14 6. a subject for future study would be to com­pare and contrast the running styles of world class sprinters with the Men's Vault Finalists from the last World Championships. 7. Mizoguchi, H. & Cheetham, P. (1984) op. cit . 8. Fink, H. (1984). " Considerations for Gymnas­tics Conditioning", Technique V. 4 N. 4 pp. 4-7 9. Atwood, D. (1984). lecture presented on stride technique at University of Washington , Nov. 1984 10. Wilt , F. (1984). " Speed Development" NSCA Journal op. cit. p. 14 11. Siottow, T. (1986) . clinic on adolescent con­ditioning, U. Wash . Oct. 1986

Technique

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TRAVEL KIT The USGF logo is presented on a navy, nylon travel kit. Perfect for your grips and over­night trips .

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Announcing the . . .

1988 USGF CONGRESS Once again, the USGF will present an outstanding program, featuring the finest clinicians and professionals in the sport. The 1988 Congress wi ll provide you with essential, useful information on coaching technique, rules interpretation, running a successful , profitable operation, and more.

The highlights of the 1988 Congress in Anaheim:

• Compulsories! Updates on 1989-92 Elite Compulsories

• Previews of New J.O. Compulsory Program

• Safety and Educational Programs

• The Latest Trends in Developmental Gymnastics

• Good Friends, New Friends, Fun Times

• Disneyland!

'88 USGF CONGRESS REGISTRATION FORM ONE NAME PER REGISTRATION

Name ____________________ Date ______ _

Name of Club/Program _____ ________________ _

Home Address, ________________ ________ _

City ________ _ _____ State Zip _____ _

Phone (Day) Phone (Night), __________ _

Please check appropriate box: o Women's Program o Judge o Men's Program o Club Owner/Administrator o Rhythmic Program o Other o Coach

1988 USGF Congress­Facts at a Glance

Date: October 12·16, 1988

Site: Anaheim Hilton & Towers 777 Convention Way Anaheim,CA 92802·3497 7141750·4321 1·800/HIL TONS

When making reservations, ask for " 1988 USGF Congress special rates."

Sufficient rooms are reserved for Congress up to September II , 1988.

Reserve early to assure room and special discount rates.

Rates: $79 single $89 double $99 triple/quad

Travel: The official airline of this year's Congress is American Airlines. They are offering five percent off any Super Saver Fares or 45 percent off Coach. Call toll free, 1·800·433·1790. Ask for the USGF's S.T.A.R. account #66815.

Fee: $70 for USGF professional members postmarked by Sept. 2, 1988. $80 for USGF professional members postmarked after Sept. 2 , 1988. $90 for non·USGF professional members regardless of date .

Fee Includes: • Free entrance to all lectures, master clinics, demonstrations, open meetings and general assembly. • Free entrance to exhibit area featuring the industry's finest products. • Final Awards Banquet and Dance

Registration is non· refundable after October I , 1988. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Prof. Members

$70 if postmarked by Sept. 2, 1988 $80 if postmarked after Sept. 2, 1988

$90 Non·(JSGF Prof. Members regardless of date

USGF PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP #1 Expiration Date

Please return this registration form with check for fee to USGF Congress:

Pan American Plaza 201 S. Capitol , Suite 300

Ind ianapol is, IN 46225

Note: Registration is non· refundable after October 1, 1988.

NO EXCEPTIONS

AMF American, an official sponsor of the United States Gymnastics Federation, is the all-around favorite. The one selected for use in the Olympics, and the Olympic Trials, the World Gymnastics Champion­ships, the Pan American Games, the World University Games .. . and many other major tours and meets.

Why this unequaled popularity? Because our concern rests with the athlete. Because we believe gymnastic apparatus should enhance an athlete's performance, never hinder it.

It's no wonder AMF American is the choice of champions. Shouldn't it be your chOice, too? Bring out the best in your athletes, bring out AMF American.

For information about the complete line, call Ken Cysewski at 1-800-247-3978 toll-free today. Telex 910-520-1031.

I~F American 200 American Avenue Jefferson. Iowa 501 29. U.S.A.

U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM VISA® CARD Preferred Applit:ation

.. consideted.foLthi£..ac_C.Q\!Jlt.~Q!l _ must be able to answer YES to these questions: Do you have a minimum income of at leas t $15,000? 0 Yes 0 No If no, you may wish to consider a Co-Applicant whose income may also be included. Is your credit history clear of any bankruptcies, legal actions or delinquent accounts? 0 Yes 0 No Please complete the following:

Fu ll Name

Apartment Number and Na me

Street Address

Cit y

Ho me Ph o ne

Socia l Securit y Numbe r

D Own 0 Rent n Live with Parents

Previous Address

Cit y

State Zip

Length of Rl'sidener

Date of Birth

$ Mon thl y Mortgage or Re nt

Sta te Zip

S

Years

~Bu-s~in-e-s-s "'N'-a-m-e-()-r""""E~m-p-;-ll-,y-e-r -------- - -- A nnual Inco me

Bus iness Add ress

City Sta te Zip

( • YeMs ~B-u~s i-n-es-'-' s""""P~h-o-ne----- YeaTS TIll.' Tl' "P'-llS~' i""'ti(-ll-' ----------

$ O ther Income Sllurn.'

Yl'a rs

Position Previous Business Address

Cit y State Zip

Applicant 's Si~natuTl' Datl'

Please mail this application to: U.S , Olympic Team VISA Card CORESTATES BANK OF DELAWARE, NA P.O, Box 8847, Wilmington, DE 19885-94091085-11-501 Only n :sith: nlS of lilt." Conti rH.:nt;11 lJnitl'd States arc digihk for this ofll'r.

Complete this section if you would like a Joint Account.

Full Na me of Co-Applica nt

Add ress (If differen t from applicant's)

Socia l Secu rit y Number Date of Birth

$ "B-u~si-ne-s-s-;-N""a-m-e-o-r-;E~m-p-;I-oy-e-r------ Annual Inco me

Business Stree t Address

Ci ty (

Bu siness Phone

$ O ther Income'

State Zip

Years Yea rs There Position

Source

Co-A pplican t's Signa ture Da te

"Alimony, child support , or separa te maintenance need no t be revealed if you do not wish to have it conside red as a basis for repaying thiS obliga tion . . .

We may obtain a credit report in co nnettion with your applIcalIon . If you aSK, we will tell you whether we have obta ined a credit report and the name of the credit burea u that supplied it.

For Bank Purpose O nly: Code CL Date

CoreStates Credit Account Disclosure

Annual Variable Annual Grace Percent- Rate Index Member- Period are Rate and ship for

APR) Spread Fee Purchases 15.9% The APR md' $25 Finance

Cash increase, an charges will will be deter- Late not accru e

Advance mined by add-Fee on new fur-

Fee ing 6% to the chases i you Pnme Rate pay your e n-

None of The $15- tire balance

Trans- Philadel~hia National ank. Over-The- by the pay-

me nt due date action As of 1/1 /88, Limit shown on

Fee the APR was Fee your monthly

None 15 .9%.

$15-statement.

-Except in Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah and Wyoming whe re fees are waived.