horizontal swings on bars

[twisting007bigflip]

I know this is going to sound silly, and I'm a little embarrassed to be asking this in the first place, but...

What constitutes a swing above horizontal on the high bar? Do the kid's shoulders need to be open totally with their armpits at/above the horizontal plain to the bar? Or, does it count as a horizontal swing if the kid's body is fully extended, hollow and their toes are above their hips (which would be above their head) but the shoulders are not completely open? I guess I might have to draw a picture if no one can get a mental from my horrible description...

I am trying to get my level 4s and 5s to start swinging a little better, so I'm trying to teach them the first way I mentioned, but they are having mega trouble keeping grip on the bar, so they go flying backward on the counter swing.

thanks,

 

[CoachTodd]

Basically, above horizontal means the lowest point of the body will be above the bar. I'm pretty sure they will be looking for a straight to hollow shape with the shoulders slightly neutral. I don't see any real issues with teaching the open shoulders as long as you can keep them from arching before the swing gets to the top.