Equipment Used in Rhythmic Gymnastics

There are five apparatuses used in rhythmic gymnastics. Every year, the International Gymnastics Federation decides on four pieces of equipment that will be used. It is important to learn the apparatuses and what each one does to ensure the equipment is used safely and properly.

Mat

Every event is performed on a mat. The mat used in rhythmic gymnastics is not the same as a gymnastic mat because it has less spring and padding. Rhythmic gymnasts prefer this mat because it is easier to perform their skills on a floor without padding and spring.

Ribbon

Rhythmic gymnastics ribbon is strips made from satin, which is attached to a stick made of synthetic materiel or wood. The ribbon is 6.5 long and 1.5 inches wide. The stick is 19.5 inches long and .4 inches wide.

Rope

The rope is made from synthetic material or hemp and is the same height of the gymnast. The rope can do wraps, figure eights, swings, wraps, folded rope, jumps and leaps.

Hoops

The rhythmic hoop is made from plastic or wood the hoops are 31-35 inches in diameter. The hoop is used for high tosses, passes through an over the hoop, spins and catches of the hoop.

Clubs

In rhythmic gymnastics, the two clubs are 16 by 20 inches long and are of equal length. Materials used for the club are made from synthetic material or wood and weigh approximately 5.2 ounces each. Routines used with the clubs are Mills (clubs swing opposite of one another) circles (clubs swing parallel to one another) catches throws with the clubs as one unit and rhythmical tapping and the clubs separately are jut a few skills in clubs routines.

The Ball

The ball is made of synthetic materials or rubber and is 7.8 inches in diameter. Brightly colored balls cannot be used, and only one pattern can be on the ball, and it must be geometric. The athletes perform throws and catches, body waves, bouncing and rolling ball and balances.