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Pommel Horse Movements Breakdown | Gymnastics Knowledge USA

Pommel Horse Movements Breakdown

Technical Reference Guide for U.S. Coaches and Athletes
Saleh Noor MAG Internatioanl Judge

The pommel horse is one of the most technically demanding apparatuses in men's artistic gymnastics. It requires outstanding coordination, rhythm, and upper-body control. This guide helps U.S. coaches and athletes understand correct technique, safe progressions, and biomechanical principles for effective pommel horse training.

Key Coaching Principles

  • Match skill difficulty with the athlete’s physical and mental readiness.
  • Maintain consistent turning direction for technical balance.
  • Build rhythm and control before increasing difficulty.
  • Prioritize safe landings and falling techniques.
  • Integrate flexibility, shoulder strength, and body tension drills.
  • Use handstand drills to enhance body line and stability.

Foundational Principle

Except for scissors, all pommel horse movements use the Flank (Loop) structure. There are five root movements forming the base of nearly all elements, typically involving a 180° rotation around the body’s axis, except for the Russian Swing.

Flank Videos

The following three videos demonstrate variations of the Flank technique:

  1. 01

    Stokli

    A 180° rotation around the hand support axis, starting from rear support and finishing in front support with both hands on one pommel.

  2. 02

    Spindle

    A rotational element of 90°, 180°, or 360° around the gymnast’s longitudinal axis, performed during entry or exit of the Flank.

  3. 03

    Kehre & Reverse Kehre

    A rotation around the hand support axis between 180°–360°, changing the gymnast’s facing direction accordingly.

  4. 04

    Reverse Stokli

    A 180°–360° rotation around one-arm support, usually during the exit phase of a backward Flank.

  5. 05

    Russian Swing

    A Flank performed with continuous front support, maintaining strong shoulder extension and leg alignment throughout the swing.

Excluded Movements

Some skills may include Flank or Thomas scissors, except the Russian Swing where the legs remain together. Notable exceptions:

  • Travelmot (partly half Stokli)
  • Double Swiss
  • Stutzkehr (partly half Reverse Stokli)
  • Flank with hand transfer (transition element)
  • Flank with hop (jump element)

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