How to Teach a Front Hip Circle

Gymnasts in training often must learn and perfect challenging maneuvers. The front hip circle is one of the first moves an up-and-coming gymnast must learn, and it requires concentration, practice, muscle development and control to perform successfully. A gymnastics trainer or coach not only must know how to perform a front hip circle, but she should know how to teach it to her students while keeping them safe and uninjured.

Things You'll Need

  • Gymnastics bar
  • Gym mat
  • Open space (gymnasium)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Have your students stretch before attempting any strenuous maneuver. The students should also complete warm-up exercise to avoid any strains or injuries. If you will be participating in the maneuver as well, you should also stretch.

    • 2

      Demonstrate or have someone demonstrate to your students the proper way to execute a front hip circle. Encourage the students to ask questions about the move before they attempt it themselves.

    • 3

      Lift your students into a support position on the bar. This means they should grip the bar with an overgrip (hand cupping the top of the bar) and the middle of their thighs should press against the bar. Make sure they are positioned correctly before they begin.

    • 4

      Instruct the students to fall forward over the bar while keeping their body straight. Their legs should still be pressed against the bar as they fall forward. If they don't execute this part of the move properly, consider demonstrating and having them try it again.

    • 5

      Tell the students to circle the bar with their hands still holding the bar, but readjusting them so they are overgripping as they near the end of the move. The force of the fall should propel their bodies forward and they must bend forward into a "hollow" position (meaning the hips are turned under, the legs are tightened and the chest is rounded). The student should keep her arms straight as she performs the flip and she should end in a support position again. If she does not execute the front hip circle properly, have her repeat the process.