A wolf turn is a move on the
balance beam in
artistic gymnastics. In a squat position, the gymnast extends one foot on the beam, winds her arms and spins, returning to her original position. For balance, the gymnast's outstretched hands reduce her
moment of inertia
The moment of inertia, otherwise known as the mass moment of inertia, angular mass, second moment of mass, or most accurately, rotational inertia, of a rigid body is a quantity that determines the torque needed for a desired angular acceler ...
during the spin. The move is a common, strategic choice for gymnasts, as judges rate the wolf turn higher than a regular turn for difficulty, while a wolf turn is easier than a pirouette to execute, based on its lower center of gravity.
For these reasons and the move's frequently wobbly or ungraceful execution, the move is subject to contempt from gymnasts and spectators.
Gymnastics moves are scored on a scale from A to H by increasing difficulty based on the
Code of Points. Double and triple wolf turns are rated D and E, respectively.
References
Gymnastics elements
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