The balance beam, a pivotal apparatus in women’s artistic gymnastics, presents one of the sport’s most challenging and graceful events. Standing at 4 inches (10 cm) wide, 16 feet (4.88 m) long, and elevated 4 feet (1.22 m) above the ground, this narrow platform demands exceptional balance, strength, and artistry from gymnasts.
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Introduction to Balance Beam Mounts
A balance beam routine begins with the mount – the gymnast’s first skill and their introduction to the apparatus. In competitive gymnastics, the mount is a required element and contributes to the difficulty score of the routine. It involves various skills used to transition from the floor onto the beam.
Mounts can range from simple step-ons to complex acrobatic skills, allowing gymnasts to demonstrate their level of expertise right from the start.
Mount Selection Based on Skill Level
When selecting a balance beam mount, gymnasts must consider their skill level, strength, and confidence on the apparatus. Here’s how gymnasts at various levels can choose mounts that match their abilities:
Beginner Level
For gymnasts just starting out, the focus should be on simple mounts that build confidence and introduce balance without requiring advanced acrobatic skills. These mounts are typically easier to control and allow the gymnast to focus on form and balance.
- Front Support Mount: One of the most basic mounts, where the gymnast places both hands on the beam, kicks one leg over, and lifts the body into a straddle sit position. This mount emphasizes control and strength without the need for advanced skills.
- Straddle Mount: This is a beginner-friendly option where the gymnast places both hands on the beam and swings both legs over into a seated position. It’s simple and focuses on maintaining balance during the transition.
- Jump to Squat Mount: Here, the gymnast jumps onto the beam into a low squat position, which is easy to control. This mount is commonly used in compulsory routines for novice gymnasts.
Best For: Gymnasts learning how to mount the beam with minimal risk of losing balance.
Intermediate Level
Once gymnasts are more confident in their balance and control, they can progress to mounts that involve more dynamic movement and a greater focus on strength and coordination.
- Leg Swing Mount with Half Turn: The gymnast swings one leg over the beam and performs a 180-degree turn to land in a straddle or seated position. This mount introduces a rotational element and requires more body control.
- Free Leap to One Foot Mount: This mount involves a small leap from the floor or a springboard onto the beam, landing on one foot while maintaining posture. It introduces elements of both dance and acrobatics, adding complexity to the routine.
- Shoulder Stand (Candlestick) Mount: This involves the gymnast diving backward onto the beam into a shoulder stand position before transitioning to standing. This mount requires more control and balance than beginner mounts.
Best For: Gymnasts with moderate experience who are ready to incorporate more fluidity and complexity into their routines.
Advanced Level
Advanced mounts require a high degree of strength, coordination, and acrobatic skill. These mounts often combine elements of flight or rotation and are typically performed by competitive gymnasts.
- Round-Off Back Handspring Mount: This highly dynamic mount starts with a round-off on the floor followed by a back handspring onto the beam. It requires precise timing, excellent body control, and strength, as it involves high-energy motion.
- Aerial Cartwheel Mount: In this mount, the gymnast performs a cartwheel without hands (an aerial) to land on the beam. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move that demands extreme precision and balance.
- Jump to Handstand Mount: This mount involves jumping into a handstand on the beam, balancing momentarily before transitioning into the routine. This requires advanced control, upper body strength, and balance.
Best For: Elite gymnasts who have mastered fundamental balance beam skills and want to add a “wow factor” to their routine.
Mount selection should be based on a gymnast’s skill level, with the focus always on safety and control. Beginners should start with simple, low-risk mounts, while more experienced gymnasts can challenge themselves with dynamic, acrobatic mounts.
Key Steps to Perform Balance Beam Mounts
Here are the key steps to execute a successful balance beam mount, regardless of the specific type of mount you choose:
1. Preparation
- Mental Preparation:
Visualize your mount in full detail before performing it. This practice helps improve focus, boost confidence, and reduce anxiety. Mentally rehearse each element, from the approach to the landing, ensuring you maintain a calm and positive mindset. Visualization, especially when done consistently, strengthens muscle memory and can enhance performance on competition day.
- Physical Preparation:
A thorough warm-up is critical. Include dynamic stretches like leg swings and torso twists to loosen your muscles and increase flexibility. For more advanced mounts, drills on the floor (such as tuck jumps or handstands) can help perfect your technique before attempting them on the beam.
2. Approach
- Using a Springboard:
Beginner and intermediate mounts often utilize a springboard for added height and momentum. Ensure your approach is controlled, maintaining good speed and posture to create an effective lift.
- Without a Springboard:
For advanced mounts, such as a handspring onto the beam, generate power using your core and leg muscles. A strong core helps you stay balanced as you initiate the movement.
3. Execution
- Precision and Control:
The key to any successful mount is maintaining precise movements. Engage your core throughout the mount, and keep your body tight to minimize unnecessary shifts in balance. Whether it’s a basic mount like the front support or a more advanced acrobatic entry, focus on smooth transitions.
- Landing:
Your landing should be controlled and balanced. Fix your gaze on a focal point at the end of the beam to maintain balance, ensuring your body remains aligned as you come into position.
4. Finish
- Holding Position:
Once you’ve landed on the beam, hold your position momentarily to show control and confidence. Judges look for a clean finish with no wobbles, which demonstrates mastery over the mount.
- Transition to Next Element:
After holding your landing, smoothly transition into your next skill. Keeping fluidity in your movements will help maintain the rhythm and artistry of your routine.
Top 10 Balance Beam Mounts at the Olympics
The balance beam demands precision and artistry, and a gymnast’s mount sets the tone for their entire routine. Here are 10 of the most impressive and memorable balance beam mounts from Olympic history:
10. Natalia Shaposhnikova – Moscow 1980
Shaposhnikova made waves at the 1980 Moscow Olympics with her powerful and unique straddle mount. This move, where she swung both legs over the beam from a seated position, showed off her impressive strength and control, setting the stage for a dynamic and high-energy routine.
9. Liu Juan – Sydney 2000
Liu Juan’s performance in Sydney was defined by her precise jump mount, where she used a small springboard to leap directly onto the beam. The move wasn’t just about height—it highlighted her incredible control and balance, traits that have become hallmarks of Chinese gymnastics.
8. Lavinia Milosovici – Barcelona 1992
Known for her clean execution, Milosovici opted for a squat-through mount at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. This move, simple yet elegant, allowed her to focus on the smooth transitions and flawless technique that became the highlights of her routine.
7. Iryna Krasnianska – Beijing 2008
Iryna Krasnianska took the spotlight in Beijing with her intricate shoulder stand mount (often referred to as a candlestick mount). This daring move required exceptional balance as she transitioned from a backward dive into a shoulder stand on the beam, showcasing her graceful control.
6. Mo Huilan – Atlanta 1996
Mo Huilan’s performance at the 1996 Olympics featured a jump to split mount, where she demonstrated incredible flexibility and power. This mount, full of artistic flair, set the tone for her graceful yet powerful routine.
5. Angel Wong Hiu Ying – London 2012
Angel Wong from Hong Kong impressed at the London Games with a tuck jump mount. Known for her precision and explosive power, this mount allowed her to immediately capture attention and set a strong pace for the rest of her routine.
4. Kelly Garrison-Steves – Seoul 1988
In Seoul, Kelly Garrison-Steves went bold with a round-off back handspring mount, a complex acrobatic move that brought immediate energy to her routine. The speed and fluidity of her mount reflected her command of the beam.
3. Janine Rankin – Seoul 1988
Also at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, New Zealand’s Janine Rankin wowed the audience with her own version of a round-off back handspring mount, setting the tone for a dynamic and powerful performance.
2. Tina Erceg – Beijing 2008
Croatian gymnast Tina Erceg kept things artistic with a jump mount at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Her clean execution and elegant transitions from the mount to the rest of her routine made it memorable.
1. Vasiliki Tsavdaridou – Atlanta 1996
At the top of the list is Vasiliki Tsavdaridou from Greece, who performed a striking side mount during the 1996 Atlanta Games. This original move, leaping onto the beam from the side, highlighted her incredible balance and made her routine unforgettable.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the balance beam mount is not just about getting onto the beam—it’s about making a strong impression and setting the tone for the entire routine.
Whether it’s a simple step-on or a more complex acrobatic entry, each mount offers its unique challenges and opportunities to showcase artistry and athleticism, leaving a lasting impression on both judges and audience alike.
