V.5.1. The rhythm of movement

(Polgar, Szatmari, e.n.)

The rhythm of movement is the continuity of the coordinated operation, the alignment of dynamic movements in time and space. In humans, the rhythm of movement is transmitted to the person through a structured articulation of movements in external and internal manifestations as well. The harmonious rhythm of movement is indicated by the coordinated activities of the participating muscles and muscle groups. The beat is the basic unit of rhythm. With practice, we can see the rhythmic movements becoming more perfect, coordinated, rhythmic and more economic and aesthetic in appearance. The inherited conditions assure the base of its correct implementation and limit the possibility of its development.

To sum it up, a sport movement is called rhythmic if the movements are divided in time (regular or irregular intervals) in such a way that the stimuli created in different times change in accordance to the economical and purposeful implementation of the movement. The rhythm is made up of the structural changes which are characterized by the temporal order of the muscle pulse. The rhythm is the accentuation of the movement components in chronological order typical to that movement.

The rhythm of a sports movement is characterized with the order of the repetition of the same or similar movements with defined intervals. The movements are organized into a movement course with the acceleration, deceleration of the movement, the intensity of the force impulses, time intervals all playing a role, thus creating  a form of movement which is defined by its spatial and temporal structures. The beat is the rhythm in time, for example, the measured time from the beginning to the end of the practice (eight jumps). In gymnastics exercises, the time duration of the basic free practice exercises can be controlled and followed by beats. The determination of the time frame of the basic movements can be made by kinetic rate, for example 2. beat:  arm circles forward.

The basic characteristic of rhythmic movements is that they are efficient and purposeful. This will take effect when certain cyclic and acyclic movements are linked and capable to compose a “movement melody” which is characteristic to a specific movement at all times. Therefore, in order to create the proper rhythm, global training is usually in the foreground which is complemented with practising the more complex and longer parts separately. In the teaching, learning and understanding of sport movement techniques, it is essential to carry out the proper rhythm. It helps if the most important moments of effort is recognized and acted upon. If this is achieved, it is possible to secure in time the individual phases of the movements.