How to Do a Flyaway in Gymnastics

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A flyway is an impressive and common optional level gymnastics skill that is used on the uneven bars (for girls) and the high bar (for boys). Level 5 and higher gymnasts frequently practice this fun skill. This article will help you be able to do this amazing trick!

Part 1 of 2:

Do Drills

Go to the floor. Do tuck jumps while going forwards. Do this like you are flying off the bar, but you're just jumping forwards in a tuck.

Go to the foam pit, and get a spot. (Preferably a coach.) Ask her/him to help you do a back tuck into a soft, fluffy pit full of foam cubes. Remember to jump high, and up. Don't arch or curl up into a squished ball––just tuck.

Go to a low bar. Bring your feet up to the bar, and let go. Try the same thing on a high bar.

Try to do step 3, without touching your feet to the bar.

Tuck ups: Start in a hollow, and bring your feet to your chest in a tuck. Keep your core tight.
Tuck backs: Do a tuck jump like a back tuck, but control yourself down to the floor.

Get a spot (your coach). Have them help you flyaway, and remember to go high, and up.

Try a flyway into the squishy foam pit. Advertisement Part 2 of 2:

Doing a Flyaway

Put two to three really soft mats under the high bar. This makes it safer for a wrong landing, especially if it's your first time doing a normal flyway.

Start doing tap swings, or kip up/pull over, and cast into tap swings. Don't tuck your legs up yet.

Let go of the bar, when you reach horizontal. Make sure that your feet are pointing up when you release. Then do a gainer back tuck, as if you're doing it into a pit without a jump.

Rotate quickly. Grab your legs, and tuck in your head, as well as your legs. Make sure that you do not pull in to the bar.

When you are about to land, let go of your legs. Squeeze them together, and try to stick your landing.

Finish, and show your trick to other gymnasts! Advertisement

Community Q&A

How do I stop from banging my toes? Community Answer

If you're banging your toes on the bar, that means you are closing your shoulders as you let go (pulling into the bar). To fix this, aim your toes for a spot on the ceiling in your flyaway, and let go in a nice position.

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Why do I face plant? Community Answer You probably over-rotated in your flyaway. Try to rotate less when you release from the bars.

My mum says I'm too young for bars and I'm 8, what do I do? Community Answer

You may disagree, but your mum knows best, so listen to what she says and try to be patient. You will get there one day.