Kovacs

The Kovacs is a high bar release skill named after Hungarian gymnast Peter Kovacs. The skill was officially added to the Code of Points following its successful execution at a major international competition, such as the World Championships or Olympic Games. It remains a highly-rated element in elite men's artistic gymnastics.

In a Kovacs, the gymnast performs a double backward salto over the high bar before re-catching it. The gymnast initiates the move by swinging up, releasing the bar, and rotating backward through the air. It requires immense spatial awareness to locate the bar for the blind regrasp.

A standard Kovacs consists of a double backflip (double salto) performed in a tucked, piked, or layout position without any twists. Gymnasts often build upon this by adding twists to increase the difficulty rating, such as a Kolman (a Kovacs with a full twist). The standard layout Kovacs is already a highly-valued D-score element.

Because it is a blind release move, the Kovacs is considered highly dangerous, as the gymnast cannot see the bar while finishing the rotation. Missing the regrasp can result in a catastrophic fall from over 8 feet in the air. Gymnasts practice this skill extensively in foam pits before attempting it on a competition mat.