Gymnastics Lessons Vol. 5 - Parallel Bars

Explore basic parallel bars skills for beginners and intermediate gymnasts, including underbar swings, upper arm swings, and support swings to the handstand pirouettes, with a focus on form and control.

Develop grip strength and bar control through basic hanging movements, regrip drills, and station-based sequences that guide kids from one station to the next.

Develop glide kip on the parallel bars, opening hips into the pike, then progress to cast and support with spotting, emphasizing open hips, proper swings, and catching behind the body.

Develop basic support skills on parallel bars, building a solid support position and controlled steps, then practice short swings to horizontal and 45 degrees with safe spotting.

Perform basic holds and exercises on the parallel bars, including tuck position and l transitions, while keeping shoulders down and hips and wrists in line.

Master parallettes drills with front and back supports, tuck to L positions, and kick to handstand, while maintaining tight hips, straight wrists, and balanced weight transfer for pirouettes.

Explore parallel block progressions on the parallel bars, starting with support and swing drills, advancing to 45 and handstand with coach spotting for control and hip and shoulder alignment.

Learn beginner parallel bars dismount variations, from controlled swing entries to handstand completion, back and front flips, and safe progressions toward candlestick and layout positions.

Perform parallel bars conditioning with back and front support dips, focusing on shoulders, using progressive sets from five to fifteen reps and timed holds from 30 seconds to a minute.

Close the session by emphasizing parallel bars technique: keep your body tight, control swings, and focus on slower pace and precise speed to build confidence.