###### Abstract  
(1) Background: This case study analyzed the successful performances of female gymnasts in the finals of the 39 th and 40 th World Cup in Maribor (SLO). The aim was to identify variations in their execution of the Clear Hip Circle to Handstand (CHCH) on uneven bars based on kinematic parameters. (2) Methods: This study involved elite female gymnasts from the 39 th (n = 5, age: 17 \(\pm\) 6 months) and 40 th (n = 8, age: 17.5 \(\pm\) 6 months) World Cups, totaling 13 gymnasts. Kinematic analysis was performed on 15 successful routines using the Ariel Performance Analysis System (Ariel Dynamics Inc., San Diego, CA). The analysis focused on 16 anthropometric reference points and 8 body segments, including the body mass center of gravity (CG). The main reference points analyzed were the hip joint, the shoulder joint, and the CG along the xy-axes. Trajectory, velocity, angle, and angular velocity of the hips and shoulders were calculated. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to assess the relationships between the kinematic variables. (3) Results: High intercorrelations between the reference points along the xy-axes (0.81-0.99) and optimal movement velocity were found. Dispersed results were observed for kinematic parameters of angle (0.10-0.16) and angular velocity of the hip joints (0.60-1.00), with similar dispersions for shoulder joints (0.51-1.00). Three distinct techniques were identified: (1) stretched body with minimal hip joint flexion throughout; (2) extended body with a short, quick hip joint extension during shoulder movement; and (3) hyperextension in the hip joint. (4) Conclusions: The kinematic analysis revealed three different performance styles of the CHCH among finalists. These variations in technique do not affect the success of the performance. This research contributes to a better understanding of the technique but does not prefer one style over another. Keywords:female gymnasts; kinematics; uneven bars; analysis; World Cup series +
Footnote †: journal: applied sciences
Later studies confirmed a four-phase model for the CHCH, with each phase involving different kinematic parameters. These phases have been observed on both parallel and uneven bars [2; 3; 4]. [PERSON] [5] systematized all the biomechanical studies that have been conducted in men's and women's artistic gymnastics. [PERSON] [6] emphasized that performance improvement in gymnastics should focus on optimizing outcomes, which requires minimizing the effort of joint torque, a key factor for scoring and performance. The evaluation of gymnastics performance is increasingly objectified through biomechanical criteria, which play a central role in analyzing and optimizing gymnastics techniques. [PERSON] and associates [3; 7] proposed a five-stage method for defining complex gymnastics skills. This approach contrasts with simpler techniques that require less information for training. [PERSON] [8] identified that the technical structure of gymnastics elements operates on three levels: periods, stages, and phases. These levels help divide complex gymnastics elements into manageable parts based on both pedagogical and biomechanical criteria. Biomechanical criteria are used to explain how analyzed parameters behave during actual performances. Kinematic analysis has become the dominant method for explaining movement techniques in artistic gymnastics, helping to simplify and make gymnastics movements more accessible for analysis and improvement. Numerous researchers have focused on kinematic analysis to determine the efficiency of movement execution, to avoid mistakes during performances, and to increase success in performance techniques [4; 9; 10; 11; 12]. The technique for performing elements on bars, such as uneven bars, has been extensively analyzed [13; 14; 15; 16]. Movements on uneven bars primarily occur in the sagittal plane, such as the giant swing, where the horizontal bar serves as the axis. Rotational movements occur in the transverse plane, where the axis runs through the gymnast's body [17].