Kip (artistic gymnastics)

2019-06-29 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's Apparatus finals Still rings (Martin Rulsch) 182

Kip is a fundamental skill in artistic gymnastics that is primarily performed on the uneven bars by female gymnasts and on the horizontal bar and parallel bars by male gymnasts. The kip is essential for gymnasts as it serves as a building block for more complex skills and routines. It is characterized by a gymnast swinging below the bar, executing a powerful hip extension to bring the body to a gliding position above the bar in either a front support (facing down) or back support (facing up) position.

Execution

The execution of a kip involves several key phases. Starting from a hang beneath the bar, the gymnast must first perform a "glide" phase, where they stretch their body out fully in a hollow position. Following the glide, the gymnast executes a "toe-on" or "pike" action, drawing the feet and legs up towards the bar while simultaneously beginning to extend the hips. The critical moment of the skill is the transition from below to above the bar, requiring precise timing and a powerful hip extension. The gymnast finishes the skill by pushing down on the bar to arrive in a front or back support position, ready to continue their routine.

Importance in Gymnastics

The kip is a staple element in gymnastics because it is a prerequisite for many higher-level skills and combinations on the bars. Mastery of the kip is essential for progressing to more advanced elements such as cast to handstand, clear hip circle, and various release moves. Its significance is also reflected in the Code of Points, the document that governs scoring in competitive gymnastics, where the kip is often a required element in routines across various levels of competition.

Training and Development

Learning the kip can be challenging for gymnasts due to the coordination, strength, and timing it requires. Training often begins with basic strength and flexibility exercises, progressing to specific drills that simulate parts of the kip movement. These drills can include glide swings, hip lifts, and box drills, where gymnasts practice the hip snap motion on a padded box instead of the bar. Coaches play a crucial role in guiding gymnasts through the learning process, providing feedback and adjustments to technique as needed.

Variations

While the basic kip remains the same in principle, there are variations in its execution, especially between the disciplines of men's and women's gymnastics. For example, in men's gymnastics, the kip is often performed with a straight body or slight arch to transition into skills on the parallel bars or high bar. In contrast, women's gymnastics may see more variation in the glide phase and the transition to the bar due to the nature of routines on the uneven bars.

Conclusion

The kip is more than just a skill in artistic gymnastics; it is a rite of passage for gymnasts. Its mastery signifies a move from beginner to more advanced levels of the sport. As gymnasts progress, the kip remains a fundamental part of their repertoire, a testament to its importance in the foundation of gymnastics skills and routines.