Rhythmic Equipment & Use

Ball

The ball must be made of rubber or soft plastic, with a diameter of 18-20cm. It must weigh at least 400g.

Hoop

  The hoop may be made of wood or plastic, with an inner diameter of 80 to 90 centimetres. It must weigh at least 300 grams. Performances must include at least three leaps.

Rope

  The rope, made from hemp or a similar material, has no set length because it is relative to the height of the gymnast. Performances must include at least three leaps.

Clubs

  Gymnasts work with two bottle-shaped clubs of equal length, 40-50cm, and resembling a slender tenpin bowling pin in shape. Made of wood or plastic and weighing at least 150g, the clubs have a wide end (the body), a tapering middle section (the neck), and usually a ball on the end (the head) with a maximum diameter of 30mm.

Plane

An imaginary surface where moves are performed, i.e. lateral, frontal, horizontal or diagonal.

Diagonal plane

An imaginary surface, at less than a 90-degree angle to the floor, where moves are performed.

Horizontal plane

An imaginary surface, level with the ground, where moves are performed.

Lateral plane

An imaginary surface to the side of and parallel to the body, where moves are performed.

Ribbon

  The ribbon is a single 7m strip of ribbon made from satin or a similar material. One metre of its length is folded and doubled so it may be attached by a cord to a cylindrical stick 50-60cm in length which the gymnast grasps. The ribbon must stay in perpetual, fluid motion throughout the routine.