Types of twine - what are they and what are they for?

Many athletes cannot do without twines, for example, in dancing, figure skating, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, the twine is an indispensable element, without which it is impossible to perform many movements. For other athletes, for example, in martial arts, the twine allows performing amplitude kicks. However, twine lovers can perform most of the movements more efficiently, but it is not an obligatory element.

Types of twine

There are only 2 types of twine - transverse and longitudinal, the rest of the twine is derived from them.

1. Cross twine

With a transverse split, the legs are in the same plane - horizontally. For example, in gymnastics, this element is not difficult, since the angle in the position of the legs is 180 degrees maximum, but for many people, in principle, this is one of the most difficult types, since not everyone is physiologically capable of sitting on a transverse twine. The structural features of the femoral neck significantly reduce the mobility of the joint, which means that it is impossible to reach 180 degrees in a horizontal position.

Each discipline has its own characteristics when performing a side split. For example, in classical choreography and rhythmic gymnastics, maximum rotation occurs in the hip joint. This rotation is also called joint eversion. At the same time, the knees in the twine are directed upward, which indicates good eversion.

In artistic gymnastics, eversion is also necessary, but not to such an extent, and when performing a split, the thumbs should reach the floor. It is believed that such a twine is easier for men to master.

2. Longitudinal twine

This type implies a position in which one leg will be in front of the body and the other behind. And the leg that is in front will determine the category of the twine - right-sided or left-sided. Due to the specific structure of the female body, it will be easier for women to master such a twine, and in comparison with the transverse, this type is slightly easier. There are slight differences in the performance of the longitudinal split in different disciplines.

• For example, “sporty” is performed in artistic gymnastics, its peculiarity is that the heel of the back foot should go up, and the little toe of the front foot should reach the floor, slightly turning the inner thigh outward.
• The choreographic type is performed in dances and ballet, there is a feature in the eversion of the hind leg, in which the knee is directed to the side. Keep your socks tight.
• In yoga, the twine is a separate asana and is performed by pulling the toe of the front leg "towards you", while the heel of the back leg looks to the floor.

3. Slack or negative twine

It can be both longitudinal and transverse, but its peculiarity is that the angle between the feet is more than 180 degrees. To perform it, one leg is placed on a hill in a longitudinal or transverse position, and the pelvis sags above the floor, increasing the amplitude. This type is used in rhythmic gymnastics and is the most difficult in comparison with others.

4. Vertical

This split is performed in an upright position with one leg raised. You can also perform the element at the ballet barre. To complete it, you must master the longitudinal and transverse twine. In rhythmic gymnastics, it is performed with an emphasis on the hands. Therefore, this level of complexity cannot be mastered without special training.

5. Dynamic

The most spectacular of the splits are used in ballet, choreography, and rhythmic gymnastics, in which the position of the split is achieved in the air from a running start or from a place. This is a high level of difficulty since it is not enough to sit on the twine on the floor. The legs must have sufficient strength for the jump, and a sagging split must be mastered for the “clean” execution of the element.

6. In the supine position

This type is also most often used in rhythmic gymnastics. To perform it, you need to lie on your back. When performing a longitudinal split, one leg should be located and fixed with the shoulder at the top closer to the body and completely touch the floor. And when performing transverse - the legs should be spread apart and touch the floor with the feet. It is also one of the most difficult types of twine.

7. Half twine

This type is the simplest and most accessible for beginners. Its simplicity is that the knee of one leg remains bent, which significantly reduces pain. Although not used in sports disciplines, half-splines are very popular in fitness: stretching, yoga, Pilates, and the like.

Also Read: Motivation for sports

Recommendations

• To master one of the twines, it is necessary to carry out a high-quality warm-up, otherwise, even the simplest element can cause serious injuries. 
• Remember that for beginners, especially those over the age of 11, it becomes more and more difficult to develop splits every year. Therefore, training should be gentle and supervised by experienced trainers.
• Do not immediately strive for a sagging twine if you have not yet mastered the simplest options.
• Do not ask the assistant to put pressure on you, do not use various weights for stretching.

Conclusion

In any sport where it is necessary to sit on the twine, the coach will find the right approach to the development of the child's physical abilities, but you should not do it yourself at home. As for adults: you drive quieter - you will continue. If you started dancing, pole, and other types of fitness at a conscious age, remember that you need to start small and master the twine with elementary stretching.