For an Adler/Jam/Stoop there are two main techniques for the first part of the skill. The first option is to start the dorsal circle from a handstand. The gymnasts finish their giant swing forwards and after they reached the upper vertical line (handstand with extended shoulders), they stoop in. For the second technique, the gymnasts do not finish their giant swing. Shortly after they pass the horizontal line on the high bar they bend their hip angle for the stoop in. The gymnasts pike their body to their maximum, placing their feet between their hands. For the first 90 degrees, the gymnasts should keep their shoulder angle open. From the lower vertical they should begin to raise their hips and open the shoulder angle. At the handstand, the athletes should shift their shoulders into an L-grip, and raise their legs until their body is completely extended.
A requirement for a gymnast to perform an Adler is to have sufficient flexibility in their shoulders and pike stretch. Gymnasts should practice their pike stretch frequently to improve their flexibility. When the gymnast is flexible, they can compress their body much better and perform the skill much easier. There are a variety of drills that can be used to help improve a gymnast’s flexibility.
Perform the drill with a stick. A variation of the drill could be to have the coach push downward on the stick. As the gymnast improves, they should gradually shorten the distance between the hands.
The gymnast can perform this drill from jumping off a panel mat or minitrampoline. Begin this drill with a spotter. Jump in the pike position. When the upper body reaches vertical, raise the legs up to vertical as well. Land flat on the mat.
The gymnast can lean forward. They should take the stick behind their back in under grip, raise the stick until it switches into L-grip. Repeat this drill several times. Gradually shorten the distance between the hands as wrist and shoulder flexibility improves.
Start the skill in a standing pike position, hold the stick behind the legs with an under grip. Gradually raise the body and the arms until the gymnast stands up completely straight with their arms in an L-grip. Repeat the drill several times in a row.
Perform this drill with a spotter. On the low bar in under grip, the gymnast starts the drill in a Manna position. The coach raises the gymnast to an L-grip handstand.
Start in an L-sit on a low bar with a spotter to help maintain balance. Raise the hips and eliminate any angle of the shoulders. Finish in a handstand.
Perform this drill with straps. During any of the front or back swings, the gymnast should raise their legs to start the drill. As they move in the opposite direction, they should focus on maintaining a highly compressed pike position during the entire suspension.
This drill can be done with straps. Start in an L-sit above the bar. Roll forward in a pike position. There should be maximum compression of the pike during the suspension. The circle finishes in a Manna-sit. Next follows the legs whipping and shoulders switching into L-grip.
The drill starts from a cast in support. The gymnast should compress their body into a pike position between their arms and perform the Jam.
Perform this drill with one or multiple spotters. They should help the gymnast reach the final handstand position in an L-grip.
Anticipate the last move and finish slightly before handstand. Body is in a hollow position. Shift the wrists, feel the support onto the rail. Perform the drill with assistance.
Integral part of gymnastics coaching process are skill drills. They help gymnasts to learn easier and technically correct. With GYM DRILL PRO you will find variety of ideas for the most the basic gymnastics skills. There are plenty of images with skill drill progressions. It is intended to support explicitly the qualified coaches in their daily coaching business. DO NOT practice without the guidance of proper professionals.