How to choose Gymnastics equipment for rhythmic gymnastics?
Rhythmic gymnastics is one of the artistic and dance sports and is one of the modern Olympic games.
A single player or a team of five players try to earn the most points, determined by a panel of judges, for leaps, balances, pirouettes (pivots), apparatus handling, and execution.
Athletes in rhythmic gymnastics use one or two of the following five equipment in their performances:
- Rhythmic gymnastics hoop,
- Rhythmic gymnastics ball,
- Rhythmic gymnastics clubs,
- Rhythmic gymnastics ribbon and
- Rhythmic gymnastics jump rope.
In this article, For kids will give tips on how to choose the right rhythmic gymnastics equipment, how to care for them and extend their service life.
Rhythmic gymnastics ribbon
The ribbon curled in the hands of the gymnast always attracts the eyes of the spectators.
The satin or viscose strip is attached with a carbine or pigtail of nylon to the stick of a conical (cylindrical) shape.
Athletes use ribbons up to 4 meters long in training and demonstrations.
A huge choice of colors allows you to advantageously complement the gymnast’s costume which is know as rhythmic gymnastics leotards.
How to choose the right ribbon for rhythmic gymnastics?
| Age of gymnast | Tape length | Tape material | Stick length | Wand material | |
| Master of Sport | 14 years and older | 6 m | Viscose Satin | 60 cm | Plexiglass Plastic Lightweight material |
| Candidate for the Master of Sports, 1-2 categories | 9–14 years old | 5 m | 55–57 cm | ||
| 3 rank and below | Up to 9 years | 4 m | 50 cm |
Tips for the care and storage of gymnastic tape:
- Wash in a warm soapy solution, the water temperature is not higher than 30 ° C.
- Use shampoo for washing.
- Starch tape, you save its elasticity.
- Before the performance, treat the tape with an anti-static agent, and it will not stick to the costume of the performance.
- Keep tightly screwed onto the coil.
Rhythmic gymnastics rope
The jumping rope is the first apparatus in rhythmic gymnastics, from which the training of female athletes begins.
A 2.5-meter long rope made of cotton or polyester is suitable for toddlers and young gymnasts. It is light, well-flying, soft, not hurting the legs when it falls.
For experienced gymnasts, a 3-meter-long nylon rope is recommended.
It is heavy, dense, retaining in shape during flight and not changing the trajectory of the throw.
Tips for the care and storage of gymnastic rope:
- Protect from moisture.
- Wipe sweat on a rope immediately after training with a dry cloth.
- Do not wash it.
- Store in a case.
Rhythmic gymnastics ball
The gymnastic balls are manufactured using high-quality rubber or rubber alloy.
On the balls of the Sasaki trademark, an additional coat is applied that gives grip to the arm, which makes it easier for the gymnast to roll, catch, and do figure eight.
The standard gymnastic ball
The standard ball has a diameter of 18.5 cm and a weight of 400 g and is recommended for athletes from 10 years.
For the younger gymnasts and girls below 130 cm tall, choose a 15 cm ball. Before buying, let the athlete in the store pick up the ball and test it.
On the market, the balls are presented in a diverse color palette, you can choose one which suits your gymnastics leotards.
Best Rhythmic Gymnastics balls
Glitter HV Rhythmic Gymnastics Ball 18 cm
AllPlay Rhythmic Gymnastic Exercise Ball
Gymnic Ritmic 400 Gymnastics Ball
Mini Exercise Ball with Pump – 9 Inch
Tips for the care and storage of gymnastic ball:
- For pumping balls from brand Sasaki, use a pump of the same brand.
- When inflating the ball, moisten the pump needle with water.
- Wash the ball with soap foam.
- Store only in the case or a special cover.
- Protect from direct sunlight as temperature changes are not good for rubber.
Rhythmic gymnastics hoops
In this topic, we are only interested in professional hoops. Professional hoops are made of durable plastic.
During classes and performances, it is not subjected to deformation as it is difficult to be bend and break.
The official weight of the rhythmic gymnastics hoop is 300 g.
Buy a white hoop, and you will be able to change the color. To do this, use colored ribbons with a sticky layer or acrylic paints.
How to choose the right hoop for rhythmic gymnastics?
In the following table, you will know how to choose the right hoop for rhythmic gymnastics according to the age and tall of the gymnast:
| Hoop size | Age of gymnast | Gymnastics Growth |
| 60 cm | 3 -6 years | |
| 65 cm | 6 -7 years | |
| 70 cm | 7 -8 years | up to 135 cm |
| 75 cm | 9 -10 years | 135 -150 cm |
| 80 cm | 10 –12 years old | 150 -160 cm |
| 85 cm | over 12 years old | 160 -170 cm |
| 90 cm | over 12 years old | 170 cm and above |
Tips for the care and storage of a professional hoop:
- Plastic doesn’t like temperature changes. Do not expose the hoop to the effects of high temperatures and direct sunlight.
- Buy or sew a case for storage.
- Keep the hoop only horizontally, in an upright position, the hoop is imperceptibly deformed.
- A cotton pad moistened with sunflower oil will help to clean the hoop from sticky spots.
Best Rhythmic Gymnastics Hoops
Liberry Kids Hula Hoop, Detachable & Size Adjustable
VENSEEN Hula Hoop for Kids, Detachable
Liberry Hula Hoop for Kids Set
Rhythmic gymnastics clubs
When buying clubs, give preference to combined multi-piece or soft rubber shells.
The combined club rubber head is connected to a plastic handle, so girls are not afraid of throwing up, catching, and performing various tricks.
How to choose the right club size for rhythmic gymnastics?
You should take into account the age range:
- 36 cm for gymnasts 3-7 years;
- 40-41 cm for gymnasts 8-11 years;
- 44-45 cm for gymnasts over 11 years old.
The standard apparatus weighs 150 grams, and for children 100 g.
On the market, clubs are presented in different colors. You can add your own touch with a colored tape with a sticky layer, rhinestones, or stickers.
Tips for the care and storage of a club:
- Wipe with a damp, soft cloth.
- A cotton pad moistened with sunflower oil will help the mace to remove sticky spots.
- Keep the shell only in the case.
Summary
When buying rhythmic gymnastics equipment, it must be remembered that items with a manufacturer’s logo and a “Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique ‘FIG’ approved logo” mark are only allowed for performances.
Standards and characteristics for each apparatus are listed in the FIG standards for gymnastic items.
Control over the observance of standards for gymnastic equipment is provided by the panel of judges.
Don’t wait and start gymnastics for toddlers as it is recommended to start at an early age.
18 Benefits of team sports for kids and youth
July 17, 2019List of sports A – Z & list of summer & winter Olympic sports
July 16, 201910 steps to motivate your kids to be active
July 16, 2019- Rhythmic Gymnastics sport - wikipedia
- Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique