8.-GYMNASTICS.pdf

8. GYMNASTICS The word gymnastics derives from the common Greek adjective “γυμνός” (gymnos) meaning "naked". It is related to the verb “γυμνάζω” whose meaning is "to train naked". The verb had this meaning, because athletes exercised and competed without clothing. Gymnastics dates back to ancient Greece. It included activities like jumping, running, discus throwing, wrestling, boxing and others involving the use of sling(=σφενδόνα), the spear(=λόγχη), the bow(τόξο) and the arrow(=βέλος). It also included methods for mounting and dismounting horses and a variety of circus performance skills(acrobatics). The time spent on gymnastics was equal to the time spent on music or art. As the Roman Empire ascended, Greek gymnastics turned into military training. Then for centuries, gymnastics and any kind of sport was forgotten. Later it was included in the first modern Olympics in 1896,in Athens. At first all participants were male. It was 1928 when the first participation of women took place. Gymnastics is a sport that involves exercises which require: Physical strength Flexibility Agility Coordination Balance In this sport the athletes perform acrobatic feats(=ακροβατικά νούμερα) such as leaps(=άλματα) flips(=τούμπες), turns(=στροφές) e.t.c. on a piece of apparatus(=εξοπλισμός), such as a balance beam(=δοκός ισορροπίας) or with a piece of apparatus such as a ribbon(=κορδέλα) or a rope in order to demonstrate strength, body control or balance. There are three types of gymnastics: 1. Artistic gymnastics: it is the most well-known type where men and women compete on uneven bars, parallel bars and rings 2. Rhythmic gymnastics, where gymnasts compete on the floor mat but they use ribbons, ropes or hoops(=στεφάνια). 3. Trampoline where gymnasts perform flips and twists on a trampoline.

1. ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS

There are eight events in the men’s gymnastic competition: 1.The floor exercises

4. horse vault

2.side or pommel horse

5.parallel bars

3.rings

6. horizontal bar

7. team competition 8. individual combined exercises.

There are six events in the women’s gymnastic competition: 1. vaulting horse

2.uneven bars

3.balance beam

4.floor exercises

5.team competition 6.individual combined exercises

2. RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS In rhythmic gymnastics the athletes perform with equipment and they are judged on their grace , dance ability and coordination. The performer must also carry out the exercises with confidence without the slight hesitation that may cause them deduction of points.

It was officially recognized in 1962 and added as an Olympic sport in 1984. Olympic rhythmic gymnastics has only female participants . The apparatus used may be any color except gold, silver or bronze. The events in rhythmic gymnastics are : 1. Floor exercises : the athletes perform the skills( leaps(=άλματα), turns(στροφές), jumps) without the use of any equipment. The difference between the floor exercises in artistic gymnastics is that there are no flipping(=κάνω τούμπα) skills performed here .

Floor exercises

2. The rope : it is made of hemp(=κάνναβη) or synthetic fibre(=συνθετική ίνα) and it is proportional(=ανάλογο) to the height of the athlete.

3.The hoop (=στεφάνι) : it is made of wood or plastic with a diameter of 80-90 cm

4. The clubs (=ρόπαλα) : they are made of wood or synthetic material with a length of 40-50 cm.

5. The ribbon: (=κορδέλα): it is made of satin and it is attached to a stick made of wood or synthetic material. It is 5-6 metres long

6. the ball : it is made of rubber or synthetic material with a diameter of 18-20 cm

Gymnasts learn how to compete by competing. This is a long process. They must deal with pressure, crowds, distractions(=περισπασμός), travel, jet lag, lack of sleep, unfamiliar equipment or inconsistent judging(=ασυνεπής, αντιφατική κριτική). This takes time and experience.

THE BENEFITS OF GYMNASTICS

v Good health v Commitment and discipline. Children learn that commitment to sport benefits them and they learn the importance of respecting the rules for safety. They also build their confidence through achievement and hard work. v Coordination and balance. They learn how to use different parts of their body in different ways. v Strength. Children get stronger through regular training and that helps them develop toned muscles and better posture .

SOME BASIC FLOOR EXERCISES

Flic flac

handspring

forward roll

headstand

Backward roll

cartwheel

splits

bridge