Front aerial

FrontAerial

Front aerial is a skill in gymnastics and dance characterized by a forward somersault performed in the air without any hands touching the ground. This acrobatic maneuver is notable for its requirement of significant aerial awareness, strength, and flexibility, making it a challenging and visually impressive skill. It is commonly seen in artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics, cheerleading, and various forms of dance, including ballet and contemporary dance.

Execution

To perform a front aerial, the athlete begins with a forward run to gain momentum. As they approach the take-off point, they execute a leap off one foot, using the other leg to initiate a forward rotation. The gymnast or dancer must maintain a tight body position, with legs straight and together, while rotating in the air. The arms are typically extended to the sides or above the head to aid in balance and rotation control. The performer must then land on the opposite foot from which they took off, completing the rotation without the assistance of their hands at any point during the skill.

Training and Techniques

Training for a front aerial involves developing several key components:

• Strength: Core, leg, and arm strength are crucial for generating the power needed for the take-off and for maintaining body position in the air.
• Flexibility: High levels of flexibility, especially in the legs and back, allow for a more extended body position, which can aid in the execution and aesthetic quality of the skill.
• Aerial Awareness: Athletes must have a good sense of body position and orientation in the air to successfully complete the rotation and prepare for the landing.
• Balance: Good balance is essential for a controlled landing, especially since the landing is performed on one foot.

Drills and progressions are often used to gradually build up to a full front aerial. These may include practicing the skill into a foam pit or onto a soft mat, using a trampoline to develop aerial awareness, and performing conditioning exercises to build the necessary strength and flexibility.

Competitive Importance

In competitive gymnastics and dance competitions, the front aerial is valued for its difficulty and aesthetic appeal. It can be incorporated into floor routines in gymnastics or used in dance choreography to showcase an athlete's or dancer's skill level. The execution quality, including height, form, and landing control, can significantly impact scoring.

Related Skills

The front aerial shares similarities with other aerial skills, such as the aerial cartwheel and the aerial walkover, which also involve rotation in the air without hand support. However, the front aerial is distinct in its forward rotation and the requirement to land on one foot.

See Also

• Gymnastics
• Dance
• Acrobatics
• Aerial cartwheel
• Aerial walkover