Side Somersault Full Twist Meaning in Gymnastics

A side somersault full twist is a sideways flip with a spin. The gymnast jumps into the air and rotates the body sideways. While flipping, the athlete also performs a three hundred sixty degree turn. This move is very rare and requires a high level of skill. The gymnast must coordinate the side rotation with the vertical spinning motion. The body usually stays in a tucked or slightly piked position. A gymnast performs a side somersault full twist during a floor routine. The athlete must use the arms to initiate the fast sideways spin. Keeping the core tight prevents the body from losing its set path. The gymnast must time the twist to finish before the feet land. Judges look for a complete rotation and a very steady landing posture. This skill shows the unique coordination and power of an elite athlete. The athlete must land with the knees bent to absorb the impact. Strong oblique muscles help the gymnast drive the body through the complex turn. Practicing this move requires a deep understanding of aerial body control.