Improving the approval of jumping techniques on the balance beam focusing on the “switch leap to ring position”

This study focused on the switch leap to ring position in women's artistic gymnastics (i) to elucidate its technical characteristics and (ii) to exploratorily identify key factors, beyond basic technical criteria, that may contribute to consistent recognition. AI-based judging support system (JSS) decisions were compared with those of certified human judges using 46 borderline trials from four collegiate gymnasts. Results showed that trials recognized by both the JSS and judges (n = 5) exhibited larger split angles (186.8 ± 5.9°) and higher rear-toe apexes (7.0 ± 4.4 cm) than unrecognized trials. In addition to these rule-defined variables, the rear knee was consistently maintained above hip level. While the JSS provided a numerical baseline, discrepancies with judges suggested the relevance of additional features such as rear-knee elevation. Qualitative observations suggested that positioning the arms posterior to the head might enhance visual arch continuity, potentially influencing human perception independently of coordinate-based logic. These findings indicate that recognition depends not only on numerical thresholds but also on a visually coherent “gestalt” posture. Accordingly, enhancing the coordination and visibility of key morphological features could be a beneficial factor to increase recognition likelihood.