Yurchenko

Developing the Yurchenko

from A to Z. Work on Floor.

By John Pirrie

Thanks to Deva, its coaches and gymnasts, for the invaluable assistance and experience given during my visit.

The apparatus for landing is soft. The light blue mat is very soft, with the take off block approx 40cm higher than landing surface. The emphasis is on a strong uplift of the upper body from the hands after the initial Flik. Arms stay by the ears throughout the skill and body should be more straight than dished. Contact with the hands during the Flik phase should see the shoulders down so that the neck is LONG. The POP creates the up lift of the torso. There should be NO piking at the hips as this discourages upper body lift and hence reduces the potential for speed of rotation in the salto. No foot contact with the floor. Note the position of the hips at landing as they are lifting from the floor.

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/Valentin/My%2...Gymnastics%20-%20Hataitai%20Gym%20Fun/Yurchenko.htm (1 of 3)9/13/2004 3:03:52 AM

Yurchenko

Similar to the exercise above with the emphasis on a more direct contact with a more firm surface (a box top) and longer Flik. Once more the priority is to lift the torso with the arms fixed by ears. The arm lift is dynamic, while maintaining a strong hip lift towards the point of take off at landing. Much more difficult setup.

Again all landing surfaces are soft. As in the previous exercise the emphasis is on the uplift of the torso/upper body. A trampette is used and should be level for this exercise. This can be achieved by adjusting the trampette or by using a spring board as in the diagram. A Yurchenko surround block or similar is used for the platform take-off for the flik, approx 20/25cm below the height of the trampette surface. The gymnast must not stand too close to the edge of the trampette frame as this inhibits the ability to push backwards. The elasticity of the trampette when contacted by the hands during the flik requires the gymnast to have strong arms and shoulders on contact and assists the gymnast to lift the torso. For the young gymnast this set-up educates the feeling of POP which at their age should be also developing through the handspring. Note coach support.

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/Valentin/My%2...Gymnastics%20-%20Hataitai%20Gym%20Fun/Yurchenko.htm (2 of 3)9/13/2004 3:03:52 AM

Yurchenko

Torso remains strong with fixed stomach and back. Gymnasts work in groups of 5/6 for all the exercises. Landing platform is 20/30cm higher than trampette and once more hip lift is encouraged during the fall to flat back, after stand. NOTE HOW EARLY AND FAST THE ARMS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TO LIFT FROM CONTACT. (Below) The principal of the arm lift, is very important for the round off prior to take off to the vault as slow arms will result in a more bent body and subsequent bent knees at take off from springboard.

The approach run is short approx 4/5 metres to a maximum. The platform is 1metre high and 80cm deep, with a 2 metre wall. (Note the gymnast holding the wall.) Once more the emphasis is on the arm lift from the floor during the round-off. All of the

exercises/ setups can be used in conjunction with each other. The gymnasts in these photos are 9/10, exceptionally well conditioned and understand the principals of strong take off shapes. They know how to rebound.

An additional variation of the last exercise can be adapted using the same set up but a full approach run. Based on the POLE VAULT principle the gymnasts POP over the yellow block (50cm deep, in an attempt to clear the apparatus.) The set up is to a PITTED landing and 2 gymnasts will be required to hold the block in place. (one either side) This idea allows the gymnast to focus on a strong stand-up shape, looking down the vault run-way, thus fixing the head and body prior to the eventual salto/ twist. In this exercise and at this stage NO salto is performed.

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/Valentin/My%2...Gymnastics%20-%20Hataitai%20Gym%20Fun/Yurchenko.htm (3 of 3)9/13/2004 3:03:52 AM