Uneven bars facts for kids
_001.jpg)
The uneven bars are a super exciting piece of equipment in artistic gymnastics. Imagine two strong bars, one higher than the other, made of fiberglass with a smooth wood coating. They are held up by a sturdy steel frame. Gymnasts use these bars to perform amazing swings, flips, and releases! You might hear them called "UB" or "AB" in competitions, or just "bars." Gymnasts often put white chalk on their hands. This helps them grip the bars better and prevents slipping. The different heights and widths of the bars allow gymnasts to move between them with incredible skill.
Contents
What Are Uneven Bars?
For big international gymnastics competitions, the uneven bars have to follow strict rules. These rules are set by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). Many companies around the world make these special bars. You might find them in gyms with soft foam pits or thick mats underneath. This makes it safer for gymnasts to practice new and exciting moves!
Bar Sizes and Setup
The size of the uneven bars is very important for gymnasts. The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) sets exact measurements for competitions.
- The high bar is about 250 centimeters (8 feet 2 inches) tall.
- The low bar is about 170 centimeters (5 feet 7 inches) tall.
- Each bar is about 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) thick, perfect for gripping.
- Both bars are around 240 centimeters (7 feet 10 inches) long.
- The distance between the high and low bars can change. It's usually between 130 and 190 centimeters (4 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 2 inches). This adjustable distance helps gymnasts perform different skills.
Performing on Uneven Bars
Uneven bars routines are full of strength, powerful swings, and amazing jumps! Gymnasts perform a series of skills, each with its own score value. It's like putting together a puzzle of incredible moves.
How Uneven Bars Routines Changed Over Time
The uneven bars have changed a lot over the years! Long ago, in the 1950s, they were like men's parallel bars but at different heights. The bars were very close, making it easy for gymnasts to move between them. Routines back then had simple circles, kips, and held positions.
Later, in the 1960s and 70s, the bars became their own special equipment. They were designed to be adjustable and held firmly to the floor. This meant coaches could set the bars farther apart. The bars also became thinner, making them easier to grip for big swings.
As gymnastics grew, so did the difficulty of uneven bars routines. Gymnasts and coaches started trying harder dismounts and moves inspired by men's horizontal bar. Famous gymnasts like Olga Korbut and Nadia Comăneci invented amazing new skills. Olga Korbut pioneered the first high bar salto release move in 1972. Nadia Comăneci showed off her unique Comaneci salto at the 1976 Olympic Games.
By the 1980s, routines focused on powerful swings and release moves. The bars were moved even farther apart to allow for complex transitions like the Pak salto. Today, for top international gymnasts, there's a specific distance between the bars set by the FIG.
Many old moves from the 1950s and 60s are no longer used. This is because the bars are now set differently, and the rules have changed. In some gymnastics programs, like USAG, younger gymnasts (levels 1-3) start on just the low bar. As they get more skilled (level 4 and up), they use both bars and create their own routines.
What Makes a Great Routine?
To be a champion on the uneven bars, a routine needs specific types of moves. These include:
- Flight elements: These are moves where the gymnast lets go of one bar and catches another, or flies and recatches the same bar!
- Different grips: Gymnasts must show they can use at least two different ways to hold the bars.
- Circle elements: These are smooth, continuous circling moves close to the bar.
- Turns: Moves that involve turning on the bar, like a turning handstand.
- Dismount: A spectacular finish where the gymnast leaves the bars and lands perfectly.
How Gymnasts Are Scored
Judges watch every routine carefully to give a score. They look at how difficult the moves are, how good the gymnast's form and technique are, and how well the routine is put together.
Points are taken off for mistakes. These can include wobbly landings, pauses, extra swings that don't lead to a skill, or poor body shape. If a gymnast falls from the bars, a certain number of points are deducted. Hitting a foot on the low bar or the floor during a skill also results in a small deduction.
Important Safety Rules
Safety is super important in gymnastics!
- Gymnasts can use special hand grips or tape to protect their hands and get a better hold. Coaches also put chalk and sometimes water on the bars. This helps prevent slipping.
- Gymnasts must start their routine by mounting the bars themselves. They can use a simple jump or a more difficult skill to get on. They can even use a springboard to help them reach the bars.
- Once a routine begins, the coach cannot touch the gymnast. However, coaches can stand close by during tricky release moves and dismounts. If a gymnast falls, the coach can help catch them or help them get back on the bar.
- If a gymnast falls from the apparatus, she has 30 seconds to re-mount. Within this time limit, she can readjust her grips or chalk her hands again if necessary. If she does not return to the bars within 30 seconds, her routine will be finished. Judges are often understanding if a gymnast needs a moment after a fall.
Staying Safe in Gymnastics
Like any sport, gymnastics has risks, and it's important to always practice safely. Gymnasts work hard to prevent injuries. They use safety mats, foam pits, and special hand grips. Coaches are always there to guide them and ensure they learn new skills properly. It's crucial to follow all safety rules and listen to your coaches to stay safe and have fun!
Images for kids
-
Shaden Wohdan, Qatar
-
Asal Saparbaeva, Uzbekistan
