Rhythmic Gymnastic Ball

Rhythmic gymnastics is a style of gymnastics that combines theater, ballet, apparatus manipulation, and gymnastics. Competitors may compete alone or in a group up to usually about 5 people. The gymnasts combine dancing and acrobatics with the unique props such as balls, hoops, ribbons, ropes, and clubs to make an entertaining show.

At competitions, rhythmic gymnasts are judged on flexibility, pirouettes, leaps, balances, artistic value, and the use of their props. Although rhythmic gymnastics is primarily performed by women, there are many countries that have begun to show a particularly high male interest in the sport.

There is a 20 point scoring system in the rhythmic gymnastics competitions. Gymnasts are judged on execution of their gymnastic and acrobatic moves but more importantly, they are scored on their artistic abilities shone through the use of the chosen prop. Much like gymnastics, dance, and figure skating, rhythmic gymnastics must be choreographed precisely and practiced multiple times.

Rhythmic gymnastics balls are used, like every other prop in rhythmic gymnastics, as a visual aid in presenting an artistic point. Rhythmic balls are not particularly difficult to use but must be used in a delicate and precise way in order to maximize the amount of points earned and to make sure the beauty of that point in expressed properly. Most rhythmic gymnastics balls are about 7” in diameter.

The “throw and catch” is a required portion of competition when using the ball as the prop. Throwing the ball and catching it again may not seem very difficult but combined with great acrobatic precision and skill, it becomes an art form. During competition, the gymnast may not grip the ball or rest the ball on his/her wrists as these will result in deductions. The gymnast must also be able to hold her hand in the air while holding the ball and let the ball roll down their arm while not letting it ever hit the floor. Rolls must also be completed.

In order to do so, the gymnast must lie on their back, and starting at one end, let the ball roll through their body as the gymnast rolls as well. Resembling a seal, a balance must be completed as well. The gymnast lies down on their stomach, pushing up on their hands and pulling their feet back towards their head. The ball must remain stationary and must stay perched on the tops of the gymnast’s legs.

Although bouncing is very difficult to do while following the regulatory rules, bouncing is allowed. The ball will be bounced and while the ball is off of the ground the gymnast must do some type of dancing or movement translation; after such, the ball can be caught and the routine continues. The only other motion to learn with a rhythmic gymnastics ball is to dance. In a harmonious fashion, the moves must tell an artistic story using the ball.

When a rhythmic gymnast is training with a rhythmic gymnastics ball, the proper techniques must stay followed. The ball can be used for other methods of exercise such as physical therapy and muscle strengthening. You do not have to be flexible to exercise using the rhythmic gymnastics ball but when using the ball for gymnastics training, flexibility plays a large part. Training can include practicing and/or choreographing. Keep in mind that choreography in rhythmic gymnastics must be very precise and the regulation rules must be followed. When competing in a group, remember to practice as a group and choreograph all movements to tell a story.

As with any sport, proper stretching techniques should be exercised. This will prevent injury as well as warming the muscles of the gymnast which will improve his/her performance.