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Double Arabian

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description Double Arabian Overview

A Double Arabian is a prominent acrobatic skill utilized in elite gymnastics across multiple apparatuses, including floor exercise, balance beam, and vault. The maneuver begins with a backward takeoff that immediately transitions into a half-twist, converting the gymnast's rotational momentum into a forward double somersault. The aerial flip can be performed in either a tucked or piked body position before landing safely. This half-twist entry distinguishes the Double Arabian from standard forward or backward double saltos, and it is frequently integrated into complex tumbling passes.

help Double Arabian FAQ

What exactly is a Double Arabian in gymnastics?

A Double Arabian starts from a backward takeoff, adds an immediate 180-degree half twist, and then completes two forward saltos, usually tucked or piked. The early twist is what separates it from a regular double back, whose rotation begins in the backward direction.

Why is a Double Arabian classified as a forward skill when the gymnast takes off backward?

FIG classifies an Arabian by the direction of the salto after the 180-degree entry twist, so the Double Arabian appears among forward and sideward salto elements. The 2025-2028 women's Code of Points lists the tucked Arabian double salto in that group.

Is a Double Arabian used on floor or balance beam?

It is most recognizable as a floor tumbling element and can also be used as a balance beam dismount. On beam, the same two-salto action must be finished from a beam only 10 centimeters wide, so landing control becomes the main challenge.

What makes the tucked Double Arabian so difficult to land?

The gymnast must create enough height for two forward rotations after a half twist, then open the tuck in time to see the floor. A late opening can cause a short landing, while an early opening can leave too little rotation.

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