How to Perform a Full Twisting Layout

Editor

posted on 17 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

23
views

To do a full twisting layout, you have to do a back layout while twisting all the way around in the air so that you land facing the same direction you started from, just as you would while doing a regular back layout. To complete this advanced gymnastics skill effectively, you have to know how to do a back tuck, back layout, and a half-twisting layout. This is a skill introduced into level 6 and 7 gymnastics, so you may need several years of gymnastics experience to complete it effectively. If you want to know how to perform a full twisting layout, see Step 1 to get started.

Steps

Bring your arms up to your ears and set high into the air. After you pound off the floor from your back handspring, your arms should pop up over your head. This is called the set, the move that helps you transition into the full twisting layout with the best form and speed possible.

Keep your toes pointed and initiate a flip in a hollowed-out position. In the hollowed-out position, your arms should be at your sides and your toes should be pointed. Remember that, just as in doing a regular back layout, you need to focus on achieving as much height as possible so you have time to complete the skill with your legs straight.

Keep your arms to either side of your face. This will help you maintain your balance as you begin to twist. Your core (abdominal area) should be tight throughout this process.

Begin to wrap. Right when you start to see the ceiling, you should take your lead arm (whichever arm you're twisting towards), and drop it behind you, as if you were elbowing a person behind you. Take your other arm and bring it toward that arm, following the same direction you're twisting towards, as if you were passing a heavy ball you were holding with both hands to the person to the left of you. This will help your entire body complete the turn.

Keep your arms in this position until you start you see the ground. Then, open and lift your arms, remembering to keep your entire body straight. Extend your knees and ankles and continue to keep your core tight.

Stick your landing. Once you have completed the rotation and are turned in the direction that you began the twist from, land on both feet and lift your arms up to complete the full-twisting layout. If you're not quite there and have only made it halfway around, then you can land in the opposite direction that you started from, doing the half twisting layout instead. If you're having trouble reaching this point, you can work on improving your half-twist, even turning your body halfway after you land to get used to the sensation of making a full turn in the air.