Impact Phase

After the flight phase comes the impact phase.  During the impact phase the gymnast makes contact with their hands on the floor.  The elbow is then functioning as a weight-bearing joint.   When  performing a back handspring “research has shown that when the elbow is fully extended can produce joint compression forces of as much as two times body weight” (Hall, 209).  Once the gymnast feels the impact the rest of their body must continue over head so that they can successfully complete the back handspring. 

Position 1:

Shoulder Girdle:

Frontal Elevation using the middle and upper trapezius, rhomboids and levator scapulae

Shoulder Joint:

Flexion by concentricly contracting shoulder flexors using the anterior deltoid, upper pectoralis major.

Hip Joint:

Medial extension of the hip using the adductor magnus, gracilis. Psoterior extension of the hip using the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus.