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Side Aerial

By , About.com Guide

Definition: The side aerial is, quite simply, a no-handed cartwheel. It's performed on the floor and beam, and is often a required skill in the United States' Junior Olympic program.

In the skill, the gymnast lunges forward onto one leg, then pushes off of her leg and rotates both legs over her head. She lands on the opposite leg in a lunge position.
Also Known As: aerial cartwheel, aerial, no-handed cartwheel
Examples: Hollie Dykes performs a side aerial on beam immediately after her mount


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