How to Do a Giant in Gymnastics

A giant is an advanced bar skill performed on the uneven bars in women's gymnastics and the high bar in men's gymnastics. Judges score the stunt upon the gymnast's body position as well as the technique used in the swing prior to the handstand. Gymnasts often use a giant to generate power before an aerial dismount.

Instructions

1. Cast to a handstand before attempting a giant. Because a giant begins and ends in a handstand, you must be able to cast to a vertical position before performing a full giant.

2. Swing to build momentum in the giant. Called a "tap" swing, your body will arch slightly before reaching the bottom of the swing and quickly "snap," just after passing vertical, to generate the power needed to rise to a handstand. (See Resources)

3. Keep your torso and back straight in your handstand. Maintain a position called "hollow" in gymnastic terms by tightening your abdomen and slightly rounding the upper portion of your back. This allows your shoulder joints a greater range of motion.

4. Straighten your legs and keep them together, toes pointed, throughout the stunt. Although some girls use a straddle to clear the low bar, a pike, with legs together is the preferred method. In addition, your legs are in the correct position to perform your tap swing when using the pike.

5. Keep your ears centered between your arms when you're in the vertical handstand. Looking at the bar causes your back to arch, throwing your body out of position.

6. Use grips when practicing giants. Not only will you protect your palms from painful blisters, grips that employ a small bar just under the first knuckles of your fingertips allow you to hold onto the bar should you not reach vertical and have to swing back down. Without grips, there is a chance your hands will slip off the bar when swinging backwards.

Tips & Warnings

• All gymnastic stunts have an element of danger. Practice giant swings only with an experienced spotter and coach.

Resources

• Watch a tap swing into a giant.