biomechanics of swing

Those interested in the what computer models can tell us about the mechanics of swing should check out Swinging in Gymnastics, by David Kerwin.

Kerwin arrived at no strong conclusion. There are pros and cons for using different techniques of giant swing.

My general rule is that a “stretched” giant is better for simple turns (blind change, “whip change” to el-grip) and that a more “scooped” giant is better for everything else.

I feel male gymnasts over-use the scooped technique, female gymnast under-use it.

from Swinging in Gymnastics – coaches’ infoservice