Hi, i'm doing a research paper on some isometric gymnastics holds. i was wondering whether anyone could give me the following information: I just need the correct techniques for executing the following manouvers: Planche, iron cross, handstand, front lever thanx

handstand: toes should be pointed, arms should be to ears, should be no shoulder angle (that's why coaches say, 'open your shoulders'!), no body arch, should be hollow body are all the skills for rings, or floor?

yeh for the floor excpet front lever which could for rings or high bar

from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_(gymnastics) [quote]One of the most famous skills done on the rings is the Iron Cross or Crucifix. This is done by extending both arms straight out from the body and holding oneself up in the air for at least two seconds. Other common strength moves include the inverted cross (simply an upside-down iron cross) and the Maltese cross where the gymnast holds his body parallel to the ground at ring height with his arms extended laterally. [/quote] there's a pict. there too. arms should be to the side, making a parallel line to the floor. best iron cross will have no shoulder angle - arms will form 180 degree line very hard on the shoulders! Jordan Jovtchev is one of the gymnasts that specialize in the still rings - in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens he won silver on rings with a score of 9.850, though many audiences and specialists thought he deserved the gold rather than Demosthenes Tampakos from Greece. Jordan has had some shoulder problems / shoulder surgery.

ok here's front lever: like you said, you can do it on the high bar or rings. first start from an inverted hang (upside-down handstand, with arms to your side), lower your legs/body to horizontal while in the hollow position, toes pointed, keep your arms straight - pull down towards the bar or rings and inwards in front of you, shifting your upper body backwards to make your center of gravity, until you are horizontal to the floor (abs facing ceiling, back facing floor) -easier on rings than bars b/c on rings there's no bar you have to avoid hitting, and your hands can rotate on the rings -->need pretty good shoulder flexibility / strength in chest and shoulders / good range in motion back lever: ...pretty much the opposite: on rings or high bar, start with inverted hang with an underhand grip (if you're doing it on a bar, the bar has to be behind you), pivot your shoulders until you are parallel to the floor (abs facing down, arms at about 45 degrees angle), rings should be above hips Planche: handstand where your body parallel to the floor, or, push-up position where your feet is off the floor and your body is parallel to the floor - your upper body will be in front of your shoulders to keep balance

also, handstand: look at your hands, not head out; arms should be straight, don't bend elbows handstand is for: beam, floor, uneven bars, high bar, pommel horse, p-bars, rings

planche can be legs together or straddle