How to teach twisting saltos: 31 drills, step by step
You teach twisting saltos by first securing a straight layout salto, then teaching a tight twisting shape and the twist initiation in jumps and on trampoline, before adding the twist to the salto on floor. This series of 31 drills is for floor coaches working with gymnasts who are ready to move from straight saltos to half and full twists.
31 video steps · floor-men, floor
Step 1 of 31, free: Twist Salto 1
The phases
- Twisting direction: find the gymnast's twist direction and keep it the same in every skill.
- Twisting shape: hold a tight, straight body with arms wrapped close to rotate fast.
- Twist in jumps: practice half and full turns in straight jumps and on trampoline.
- Twist initiation: start the twist from a straight layout salto without piking or throwing the arms.
- Landing: open the arms to stop the twist and land with control.
Before you start
The gymnast should have a straight layout salto, a strong round-off or back handspring entry and a known twisting direction.
Common mistakes
- Twisting too early: the salto loses height and rotation.
- Loose arm wrap: the twist is slow and the gymnast cannot finish it.
- Piking or arching while twisting: the twist goes off axis.
- Not knowing the twisting direction: inconsistent or opposite twists between skills.
Coaching cues
- Set, then twist
- Arms tight to the body
- Stay long
- Open to stop
All 31 steps
- Twist Salto 1
- Twist Salto 2
- Twist Salto 3
- Twist Salto 4
- Twist Salto 5
- Twist Salto 6
- Twist Salto 7
- Twist Salto 8
- Twist Salto 9
- Twist Salto 10
- Twist Salto 11
- Twist Salto 12
- Twist Salto 13
- Twist Salto 14
- Twist Salto 15
- Twist Salto 16
- Twist Salto 17
- Twist Salto 18
- Twist Salto 19
- Twist Salto 20
- Twist Salto 21
- Twist Salto 22
- Twist Salto 23
- Twist Salto 24
- Twist Salto 25
- Twist Salto 26
- Twist Salto 27
- Twist Salto 28
- Twist Salto 29
- Twist Salto 30
- Twist Salto 31
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which direction my gymnast twists?
Check turning jumps, cartwheels and pirouettes. Most gymnasts have a natural direction, and coaches usually keep twists in that direction across skills. If it is unclear, test a few simple jumps.
Is trampoline helpful for learning twists?
Yes. Trampoline gives more air time to practice shape and timing with many safe repetitions. It does not replace floor practice, but it supports it.
What should come before a full twist?
A clean layout salto with good height, and a half twist with correct technique. Many coaches also train twisting in jumps before the full twist is attempted.
What is a Twisting Saltos? Read the glossary entry