Gymnastics: Key 5 4 Catching

Starting situation.

A Face onto the Back of B. Face to Back.

B Back onto A and holding an Upright base, or a Lunge base.

Works when gymnast A starts face onto the back of gymnast B and two steps away from B. Gymnast B holds either an Upright base or a Lunge base; with hands on, or just behind the shoulders, and pointing backwards, as preparation to catch the ankles of A. Gymnast A makes a long step, long reach kick up to a handstand balance against the Back of gymnast B. Gymnast B aims to catch the ankles of A and hold A in either a Vertical handstand, or a Tilted handstand balance. Note. Gymnast A may kick up into a backwards and forwards split leg handstand balance against either of the bases, to produce variations of this particular gymnastic idea.

Staring situation.

A in a bridge face onto B. Face to Face.

B face onto the face of A and holding a Lunge position.

Works when gymnast A starts from a bridge position, and face onto B. Gymnast B holds a Lunge, or an Upright base, as preparation to catch the single foot, or both thighs of A. From the bridge position, Gymnast A either raises one leg, rocks into the shoulders and kicks with the lead leg to exit the bridge, into a split leg handstand balance; or rocks into the shoulders, pushes from two feet and hip extends into a handstand balance. Gymnast B aims to either catch the single foot of A and hold A in the split leg handstand balance; or" move in" to catch the thighs of A and hold A in a straight handstand balance. Note. The above actions also work if B stands side onto A and close to the shoulders of A during their bridge action.