Group Gymnastics: Full of Impact! A Showcase of Spectacular Large-Group Stunts

Cactus & Handstand

Cactus & Handstand

In group gymnastics, the cactus and the handstand are well-known elements.

Here, we introduce a move that combines the two, called “Cactus & Handstand.” Four of the five members face each other in pairs to form two cactus shapes.

The last person performs a handstand in the middle between the two facing cacti, and the two people at the top support the handstand performer’s legs.

Finally, the two on top extend one hand outward to complete the move! Because each person’s balance is crucial, make sure to value trust with your teammates as you practice.

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kepiko

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Human transcription

Sports Day - Group Gymnastics - Human Tower (Human Lifting)

It’s a technique where the person on the lower level cooperates to lift the person on the upper level up with a burst of momentum.

The key points to watch are the sense of speed as they rise and the crisp, precise stillness when they stop.

Because the upper person is moved quickly, it’s crucial that the lower person stays highly mindful of the upper person’s safety.

The upper person, by trusting that support, engaging their body, and maintaining a straight posture, allows the technique to be expressed beautifully.

Above all, it’s a skill that depends on the mutual trust between upper and lower and a shared commitment to performing safely.

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kappamaki

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Flower

Easy for anyone, safe and secure group gymnastics moves for multiple people [Top 3] | Recommended for sports days at nurseries, kindergartens, and elementary schools @coordisports-

Among pyramid gymnastics techniques, the “flower” is relatively safe to perform.

It’s easy for anyone, and since it doesn’t involve standing on top of others, even small children—such as those in daycare, kindergarten, or the lower grades of elementary school—can try it.

In a group, sit in a circle in a tuck position, join hands with each other, and bring your feet together in the center.

When bringing your feet together, the key is not to pull on each other’s hands, but to lift your own legs by yourself.

Once you get used to it, extend your arms and raise your legs as high as you can to make it look better.

It becomes more challenging with more people, but it can be done with five or six participants, so try it according to your child’s level!

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miyabi

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wave

Group gymnastics (wave)

Besides pyramid formations, a familiar move in group performances is the wave.

The flowing motion from left to right and right to left is beautiful, isn’t it? It looks very impressive and, since it’s not very dangerous, it’s a technique recommended for a wide range of ages.

The basic stance is to clasp your hands above your head and hold hands with the people on your left and right.

By having the person at the end slowly adopt a bowing posture, it makes the whole group look like it’s rippling.

It could be lovely to tailor the routine to your children’s level—adding small, quick movements, creating upper and lower tiers, and so on.

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miyabi

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Snail

Here’s a cute group gymnastics formation called the “Snail.” It’s perfect for five people.

First, two people become “horses” and line up one behind the other.

Next, one person steps between them, placing their head between the rear horse’s arms and their hands on the front horse’s hips.

Finally, another person stands around the waist area of the rear horse and places their hands on the shoulders of the person in the middle—that’s it! The base is relatively stable, so it’s less risky than a pyramid, which is a plus.

It could be suitable for younger children as well.

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kepiko

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wall (specifically, a fence or enclosing wall)

wall (specifically, a fence or enclosing wall)

Speaking of group gymnastics, there have been accidents in the past caused by forcing overly ambitious stunts, so these days schools tend to choose formations that aren’t very tall and carry lower risk.

This “wall” formation is recommended because, with an odd number of participants, you can try it with any size group—from small to large.

A long wall is appealing, and with about seven or more people you can convey the idea of a wall well enough.

It’s best to have relatively sturdily built people as the base, and have smaller or lighter people climb on top.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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jumbo jet

Let me introduce a six-person acrobatic formation called “Jumbo Jet.” The structure is very simple.

First, two people line up side by side and make the ‘horse’ pose.

The next two, acting as the wings, place their feet on the backs of the horses.

Finally, the last two form a wheelbarrow; once the person in front places both hands on the horses’ backs, it’s complete.

It’s suitable for older kindergarteners, so it’s great for sports day.

It’s simple, but the key is coordinating balance and speed with the cue, and making sure not to let your friends fall.

Practice is important so everyone can move in unison, but even with small bodies, it’s a dynamic, impressive move.

Be sure to try incorporating it into your group gymnastics.

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kepiko

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