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Pommel Horse

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Circles on Mushroom Pommel Horse

Circles on Mushroom

The circle on mushroom is a basic drill for learning circles on pommel horse or beam. The gymnast should start learning circles early on in their career. This will help them develop higher quality circles with proper technique, because gymnasts can perform more repetitions overall if they start a younger age. To do this drill, the gymnast must first place their hands on the horizontal line across the mushroom. During the performance the athlete should not change this position of their hands. They should start in front support with their shoulders leaned slightly forward. They should face their hands forward with their fingers spread for better support. Next, they should step to the side opposite of their desired circle direction. The athlete does this opposite move, jumps in the desired direction, and closes their legs to start the circle. The entire circle should be performed with a completely straight body. There are several universal points that the gymnast should follow:
  • Maintain a completely extended circle with an open chest at first and third quarter;

  • The arms and legs should remain tight, no exceptions;

  • At the first quarter of the circle the base arm pushes the mushroom identically with the direction of the circle. In that quarter, the leading part of the body should be the hips. During the second quarter, the gymnast should put their other hand down, and finish the quarter in rear support;

  • In the third quarter, the gymnast should switch the support hand and start pushing down on the mushroom in the opposite direction from the circle trajectory. The leading part of the body during this phase are the heels;

  • In the fourth quarter, the gymnast should put their first hand back down on the mushroom and finish in front support. In order to assure continuity, the body should not touch the mushroom, and the shoulders should lean forward;

  • In the fourth quarter the gymnast put the first hand on the mushroom and finishes in front support. In order to assure continuity, the body should not touch the mushroom and the shoulder should lean forward.

  • During the execution of the skill, the shoulders lean in the opposite direction from the legs;

  • Developing a faster circle can help the gymnast lean less from their shoulders, maintain a straight body position easier, and raise their body higher above the mushroom (essential for performing floor circles, circles on the pommel horse, and beam).

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Czech Circles Drill Pommel Horse

First Half of the Czech Circle on Mushroom

The gymnast should practice the first part of the Czech circle from either standing or one circle. There should be an emphasis on supporting the body over the center of the mushroom.


Czech Circles Drill Pommel Horse

By Standing, Second Half of Czech Circle on Mushroom

Once the gymnast has learned the first part of the Czech circle, they should practice the second part from standing. The gymnast should place their hands backward and near one another. They should do a small jump and focus on pushing around with their support hand. The gymnast should attempt to circle out of the move.


Czech Circles Drill Pommel Horse

Czech Circle on Mushroom

Once the gymnast is able to perform the first and second parts of the Czech circle, they should complete the skill in its entirety from a series of circles. It’s important that the gymnast completes a few circles after the skill as well.


Czech Circles Drill Pommel Horse

First Half of the Czech Circle on Pommel Mushroom

Similar to the first half Czech circle drill on the mushroom, they gymnast should next attempt it on the pommel mushroom. The same rules apply for this drill. The only difference is that the gymnast will have to place their hands even closer together so that they can both be supported on the pommel.


Czech Circles Drill Pommel Horse

By Standing, Second Half of Czech Circle on Pommel Mushroom

Similar to the second half Czech circle drill on the mushroom, the gymnast should next attempt it on the pommel mushroom. The gymnast should focus on learning correctly and reaching for the pommel. If the gymnast is able to, they should try to do a few circles afterward as well.


Czech Circles Drill Pommel Horse

Czech Circle on Pommel Mushroom

The final step in the Czech circle drill progression is to attempt the skill in its entirety on the pommel mushroom. The gymnast should do a series of circles before and after the skill. Once the gymnast becomes familiar with this, panel mats can be added to the sides of the pommel mushroom. These panel mats will simulate the ends of the horse, and allow for an easier transition onto the pommel horse.


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.