You can control air pressure to determine how hard or soft you want to land.
A more realistic competition landing would be higher pressure, but for training, you can lower the pressure to build confidence and skill levels. All is controlled from one unit.
Another bonus with this design is centralized landing.
Other air pits occasionally make you fall to the side. The foam topper makes for more stable landings.
Overall, air pits definitely outdo foam. Gym Pit is the next step forward improving’ safety and performance.
“As a coach, the idea of not having to do “pit day” ever again might have been all the convincing I needed! On top of the anticipated benefits of being cleaner and safer (level landing surface, adjustable firmness, and height) there were unexpected benefits as well. Efficiency during practice increased since kids can exit the pit quicker, less time spent fluffing the foam, levelling mats and restacking mats that tip and slide. With the flip of a switch, I can raise or lower the level of the entire pit to wherever I need it. One extra mat to land on or stand on for spotting!”
– Erin Rice, facility owner at SAGA and gymnastics coach.
Male FIG gymnasts must show control on landing. I’d say right now there is TOO MUCH emphasis on STICK in MAG FIG.
Obviously, FIG women have never been required to show control. Absolutely no control often results in a very small deduction for WAG.
I’m of mixed feelings on this question:
should FIG require a proper “landing”?
On the one hand, it would force coaches to include dismounts that are more fully mastered. A good thing. AND it would help separate the best of the best routines.
On the other hand, I fear more injuries on landing might result. Stepping or hopping out of a high impact landing is an excellent way to dissipate forces. Gymnasts trying to “SAVE” a competition landing could suffer more injuries.
I like Spencer’s ranking and commentary best when looking at the NCAA.
LSU, Missouri, and Michigan made big jumps UP this past weekend.
1
=
Oklahoma
198.025
198.325
2
=
Cal
197.533
197.875
3
+5
LSU
197.417
198.125
4
=
Arkansas
197.338
197.525
5
=
Utah
197.333
—
6
-3
Alabama
197.292
197.525
7
-1
Kentucky
197.283
197.600
8
-1
Florida
197.213
197.325
9
+3
Missouri
197.008
197.400
10
+4
Michigan
197.000
197.400
#22 Iowa State (+6) — Iowa State made the big ranking leap this week with a 196.900. It’s the team’s highest score since Big 12s in 2021 and second-highest score since KJ left in 2006. …
#15 UCLA (-4) — UCLA was the only team in the top 15 to suffer a major counting error this week with the two falls on bars producing another 196.550 …