1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Gymnastics

Shaposhnikova Release

By , About.com Guide

Dominique Moceanu performs a Shaposhnikova on bars at the 1996 Olympics

© Mike Powell / Getty Images
Definition: A Shaposhnikova is an uneven bars release move named after Soviet gymnast Natalia Shaposhnikova.

In the move, the gymnast starts on the low bar, facing away from the high bar. She casts and performs a free hip circle around the bar, then releases the low bar and is propelled up towards the high bar. She catches the high bar to complete the move.

When Shaposhnikova performed the move the uneven bars were much closer together than they are now, so the skill had less flight than it currently does.
Also Known As: Shaposh
Common Misspellings: Shaposhkinova
Examples: Natalia Shaposhnikova performs a Shaposhnikova at the 1978 Worlds

Dominique Moceanu does a Shaposhnikova on bars at the 1996 Olympics


Go to the Glossary of Gym Terms

Explore Gymnastics

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Introduction to Pilates

Learning Pilates fundamentals can help you get the most out of your exercise regime. More >

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Gymnastics
  4. Gymnastics 101
  5. Gymnastics Glossary
  6. What's a Shaposhnikova? -- Definition of the Gymnastics Skill Shaposhnikova

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.