Flyspring hand distance

I'm curious as to what is the ideal hand width for flysprings.  I assumed it would be shoulder width in order to get the most 'blocking' through the shoulders. However, in this video (Look at 1:20), and the hand width is extremly wide!  The only thing I can think of is that the gymnast is less concerned of blocking through the shoulders but using the wide arm position (allowing greater thoracic mobility) to increase frontal acceleration (like a forwards "whip back").

I would very much appreciate any insight from the coaches here!

@Coach Sommer @Alessandro Mainente  (Please forgive me for the tag!!! )

Hi Julian,

Good eye.  As you already noticed the hand placement on front handspring variations are usually greater than shoulder width.

It may help to think of it as not so much a 'block' as a transition as the body rotates saving the power for when it is time to rebound off the feet into a somersault.

Also the wider grip shortens the upper body lever which in turns allows the upper body to rotate downward faster and the hips to rotate upward and over faster.

Yours in Fitness,

Coach Sommer

Thanks Coach!  

That makes a lot of sense!   Is there a rule of thumb on when to use this advanced variation?  

Jules

You're welcome, Julian.

Not as essential during single handspring work, but becomes very important when connecting skills.  The width tends to take care of itself naturally.

Yours in Fitness,

Coach Sommer

Thanks again Coach!