How to teach the Magyar and Sivado: 14 pommel horse drills
Teach the Magyar and Sivado by building strong, consistent circles first, then traveling along the horse step by step with clear hand placement. These 14 drills cover rhythm, support and the travel through the horse's sections. They suit coaches of men's pommel horse gymnasts who already circle with control.
14 video steps · pommel-horse
Step 1 of 14, free: Magyar Sivado 1
The phases
- Circles: build steady, extended circles with good hip extension.
- Hand placement: learn where and when each hand moves during the travel.
- Travel: move along the horse while keeping the circle rhythm.
- Linking: connect the travel with other circle elements.
Before you start
The gymnast should do steady circles on the mushroom and on the horse with good body extension.
Common mistakes
- Hips sagging: the circle loses extension and rhythm.
- Hands moving late: the travel stalls and the gymnast catches the horse with the legs.
- Leaning too far forward or back: the circle loses balance and speed.
Coaching cues
- Long body
- Shift the shoulders
- Keep the rhythm
All 14 steps
- Magyar Sivado 1
- Magyar Sivado 2
- Magyar Sivado 3
- Magyar Sivado 4
- Magyar Sivado 5
- Magyar Sivado 6
- Magyar Sivado 7
- Magyar Sivado 8
- Magyar Sivado 9
- Magyar Sivado 10
- Magyar Sivado 11
- Magyar Sivado 12
- Magyar Sivado 13
- Magyar Sivado 14
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Magyar and a Sivado?
Both are circle travels along the pommel horse. The Magyar travels forward along the horse and the Sivado travels backward, each through the different sections of the horse.
What should a gymnast learn before a Magyar?
Steady, extended circles on the mushroom and on the horse, plus side travels. Without good circles, the travel loses rhythm quickly and the gymnast tends to stall on the pommels.
What is a Magyar & Sivado? Read the glossary entry