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Giant Swing Progressions: Bars Drill

Giant Swing Progressions is an advanced-level uneven bars drill that works on body alignment, shoulder angle and bent arms. Progressive drills building toward the full giant swing — from baby giants to full 360-degree swings.

Quick facts

Event
Uneven Bars
Difficulty
advanced
Equipment
high bar or uneven bars, mat, pit, coach spot
Time per round
about 8 minutes
Muscles
Shoulders, Core, Upper Back, Forearms, Triceps, Hip Flexors

How to do Giant Swing Progressions

  1. Tap Swing Review

    Warm up with tap swings from a long hang, moving hollow-arch-hollow through the bottom. 10 reps.

    Cues: Hollow at the front · Tap at the bottom · Shoulders active

  2. Cast Handstand to Drop

    From a cast to handstand, swing down with a tight hollow body under coach supervision. 5-8 reps.

    Cues: Open shoulders at the top · Hollow on the way down · Hold the grip

  3. 3/4 Giants

    Swing from handstand through the bottom and up the back side as far as control allows, with a coach present. 5-8 reps.

    Cues: Stretch through the bottom · Tap on the upswing · Stay tight

  4. Full Giants with Spot

    With a coach spotting, complete full giants back to handstand. Use grips and a strap as your coach directs. 5 reps.

    Cues: Shoulder extension at the top · Tight body · Turn the wrists over

Practice this drill under a qualified coach, especially for inversions and flight.

Fixes these deductions

Builds these skills

Video

Watch a demonstration “Skill Progressions #18: Giants” by GymTactics, on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Common questions

What does Giant Swing Progressions help with?
Giant Swing Progressions targets body alignment, shoulder angle and bent arms. Progressive drills building toward the full giant swing — from baby giants to full 360-degree swings.
What level is Giant Swing Progressions for?
Stickd rates Giant Swing Progressions as an advanced drill. It is part of the progression for Giant (typically Level 7-8) and Tkatchev (typically Level 8-9).

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