What is Double Layout Half Out on Floor? (5 Tips for Gymnasts)
Future-proofing your gymnastics skills means training moves that not only push your limits now but also set you up for continued success down the road. Among the many advanced skills gymnasts aspire to master, the Double Layout Half Out on floor exercise stands out as a benchmark of power, control, and aerial awareness. If you’ve ever heard this term and wondered what it really means, how to train for it safely, or how to perfect it, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned from years of coaching and personal practice.
Let’s start by breaking down the basics and then walk through some practical tips that have helped me and others succeed with this demanding skill.
What is Double Layout Half Out on Floor?
You might be picturing a complicated twisty flip, but let’s clarify exactly what this skill involves. The Double Layout Half Out is a tumbling pass performed on the floor exercise where the gymnast does:
- Two straight-bodied backflips (the “double layout”)
- With a 180-degree twist during the second flip (the “half out”)
Breaking Down the Terminology
- Double: Means two consecutive flips backward in the air without interruption.
- Layout: Refers to the gymnast’s body position during the flips. Instead of curling into a tuck or pike, the body stays completely straight and elongated. This position makes rotations slower because there’s less angular momentum.
- Half Out: Means the gymnast twists halfway (180 degrees) during the second flip only. There’s no twist in the first flip.
The Sequence of Movement
- The gymnast runs or performs a round-off and back handspring to build momentum.
- They punch off the floor with both feet, launching into two backflips in a straight, stretched position.
- While in the air on the second flip, they twist their body 180 degrees horizontally.
- They spot their landing and absorb impact with
