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Speed, Agility, QuicknessSpeed, agility, and quickness are all very important elements in training and performing in gymnastics.
Speed allows a gymnast to gain momentum when running towards a vault, tumbling pass, or even a dismount. If there is a lack of speed, the gymnast may falter on a skill or execute a skill poorly. Speed can be developed through sprinting training and running trials. Agility focuses more on a gymnasts ability to rapidly adjust the body's position to adapt to change using balance and control. For example, if a gymnast is performing a skill on the beam - a back tuck - they may be able to look at the beam on their way down and adjust their body position to land in the proper anatomical configuration. Agility can be developed through the thorough practice of skills to get the "feel" of where the body should be. Quickness refers to the ability to move rapidly, reacting to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic information as well as a subconscious decision-making process. Similar to agility, this element is a part of a gymnast's bodily awareness during the execution of skills. It can be developed through the practice of challenging skills to gain a greater understanding of one's own bodily awareness. |