Mens Artistic Gymnastics

Men's Gymnastics is composed of six apparatus as explained below:*

Floor:
This is an exercise in pure acrobatics, alternating between powerful tumbling series and the composure necessary for balance and strength elements.

Pommel Horse:
Routines on this apparatus are characterised by circular movements of the body with legs together (circles) and pendulous swings with the legs separated (scissors). Gymnasts also show a spectacular combination of these skills called flairs.

Rings:
This apparatus is known for it's difficulty of strength and swinging elements. The free moving quality of the rings makes it difficult to remain stationary during held elements. During his performance, the gymnast demonstrates control, strength and balance in the presentation of forward and backward swings and strength holds parts.

Vault:
The gymnasts during their twenty-five meter approach to the vault must develop the necessary power to complete all their aerial skills before landing. Upon take-off from the board the gymnast explosively propels himself upwards, dynamically pushing off the table to generate greater height and distance in the second phase of flight . This enables a higher level of acrobatic skill and extension to be performed prior to a stable landing.

Parallel Bars:
A predominately swinging apparatus, that is interspersed with only a few held or strength elements. Swings are completed above and below the bars and consist of acrobatic flight elements, changes of direction and swing types. The gymnast's routine ends in a dramatic dismount off the side or the end of the bars.

Horizontal Bar:
This is a very spectacular apparatus, largely due to the acrobatic releases and re-grasp flight elements. The routine is based on swinging parts without stops, and includes extended forward and backward giant swings, combined with near bar elements, changes of direction and grip, as well as the release and re-grasp movements.

* Sourced from the Gymnastics Australia Website.

Boys Competitive Gymnastics