| Rings
The rings are the least stable of the
men's apparatus. Stillness and proper body position while performing
strength elements is paramount, and those with the best command
of the event will display extraordinary skill in arriving at all
holds with absolute precision. The rings should remain absolutely
still and in control at the end of each skill. The body should be
straight with no arching, and arms should be sturdy and strong with
no shaking.
The still rings routine must include at least two handstands-one
executed with front swing, the other through back swing. At least
one element of strength must be held for two seconds.
Examples of strength elements include a cross, an inverted cross
or a planche. A cross is performed in a straight body or L position
with the body perpendicular to the floor and arms stretched perpendicular
to the body, while an inverted cross is executed in an inverted
handstand position with arms stretched perpendicular to the body.
A planche is a straight body position parallel to the floor above
the rings. The rings must remain still throughout the routine. Deductions
will be taken for unnecessary swings and instability of all positions.
Today many gymnasts combine strength to swing elements and the reverse
for combination bonus points and to achieve the maximum start value
for their routine.
The rings are the least stable of the men's apparatus. Stillness
and proper body position while performing strength elements is paramount,
and those with the best command of the event will display extraordinary
skill in arriving at all holds with absolute precision. The rings
should be absolutely still and in control at the end of each skill.
The body should be straight with no arching, and arms should be
sturdy and strong with no shaking.
Look for confidence in the strength elements. The gymnast should
move directly into the proper position when performing his cross
or planche with control, stop securely for a clear two seconds,
and then move easily into the next part. During the swinging elements,
watch for stretched body positions and straight handstands.
The rings tower on which the rings are supported stands 575 cm tall.
The cable and straps to which the rings are attached are 300 cm
long and 50 cm apart. The mats around the still rings, vault and
horizontal bar are 18 to 20 cm thick.
It requires a great deal of upper body strength and it is almost
impossible to obtain a high start value without strength moves in
the routine. Gymnasts who are not strong fail to score high on this
event. Many gymnasts who are very talented, but physically weak,
cannot win the all around title due to rings.
Text taken from www.usa-gymnastics.org |
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