Acrobatic Gymnastics elements highlight balance, flight and flexibility. Partners, Trios and Groups must work together, each taking full advantage of the others’ strengths, to successfully perform these moves.
The cornerstone of Balance exercises, static holds involve the smallest gymnast in a group holding a handstand using his or her partner’s hands, legs, or head as support. All static holds must be shown for at least two seconds to avoid a deduction.
Demonstrating excellent flexibility and extension is a must in Acrobatic Gymnastics. Flexibility elements include walkovers, bridges and splits.
These are elements in which the lighter partner in a group, known as the flier, is thrown into the air by his or her partners. The flier performs flips and/or twists before landing on the ground, lightly supported by his or her partners. Other landing options include being caught on the hands, arms, shoulders or midsection of one’s partner(s).
An Acro classic where Trio or Group members balance one on top of the other. The flier tops the pyramid, often in handstand and balancing on the head of the person below.
A rare but crowd-pleasing element in which the flier of a group is picked up by his hands and feet and used as, yes, a jumprope.
A static handstand hold in which the gymnast bends his or her hips to create a “flagpole” effect.
Tumbling elements, such as aerials, handsprings and saltos are a required part of each exercise. Elements must be preceded by motion and land on one or both feet.