How to teach the Yamawaki and Voronin: 19 high bar drills

Name: Yamawaki Voronin 1
Uploaded: 2026-02-06
Description: Teach release moves like the Yamawaki and Voronin by building a strong, well-timed swing first, then practising release and flight on safe set-ups before the regrasp on high bar. These 19 drills break the skills into small steps. They suit coaches of competitive men's high bar gymnasts who already swing giants with confidence.

Teach release moves like the Yamawaki and Voronin by building a strong, well-timed swing first, then practising release and flight on safe set-ups before the regrasp on high bar. These 19 drills break the skills into small steps. They suit coaches of competitive men's high bar gymnasts who already swing giants with confidence.

19 video steps · high-bar

Step 1 of 19, free: Yamawaki Voronin 1

The phases

Swing and timing: build an effective swing and learn the right moment to release.
Release: let go with an active push and correct body shape.
Flight: hold the shape and find the bar again in the air.
Regrasp: catch the bar with active shoulders and continue the swing.

Before you start

The gymnast should swing giants with control and have a strong tap swing.

Common mistakes

Releasing too early or too late: the gymnast flies too far from or too close to the bar.
Losing body shape in flight: the regrasp becomes unpredictable.
Passive shoulders on the catch: the gymnast can't continue the swing.

Coaching cues

Swing first, then fly
Hold your shape
Eyes on the bar

All 19 steps

Frequently asked questions

When is a gymnast ready for high bar release moves?

When giants and tap swings are strong and consistent, and the gymnast shows good air awareness. Release drills usually begin on safe set-ups such as a pit or extra matting.

Why does my gymnast miss the regrasp?

Common reasons are release timing and losing body shape in flight. Go back to timing drills and flight-shape drills before attempting the full skill again.

What is a Yamawaki & Voronin? Read the glossary entry