The purpose of this study was to analyze the mechanical characteristics of forward and backward gaint swings. A top-class gymnast was used as the subject in this study. The subject was asked to perform forward and backward giant swings in a most esthetic way. Cinematographic data were taken with a 8mm, Canon camera, positioned perpendicular to the plane of motion, i.e., in axis of the big bar. with films. The following results were obtained from the study: 1. For the forward giant swing: The angular velocity of during a forward giant swing of the three body reference points(ankle, knee and shoulder joint)increases in the first 50° while the velocity decreases in 225°. The displacement of hip joint before 225° is faster than the other two joints, after that, the displacement of shoulder joint becomes the fastest one. 2. For the backward giant swing: The angular velocity of the three body reference points increases in 45 degree while the velocity decreases in 270 degree. The displacement of shoulder joint in a circle is slightly faster than the other two joints 3. The average time spent in one forward grand circle is 2,046 see. While one backward ground circle is 2,121 see.