APPARATUS GUIDANCE: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE?

---

The length of the rope is determined by gymnast's height. In order to cut the rope correctly and for it to be the right size according to the height of the gymnast, the middle of rope should be stepped on and the ends of the rope must reach gymnast's underarm. Make sure to tie a single or double knot on each side of the rope before cutting the ends. Single knot is most common and is preferred by professionals.

If you prefer to receive your new rope from us already adjusted to the height of the gymnast, we are happy to cut the rope for you. Please visit our Services page to view this option.

Same as rope, hoop is chosen according to the height of the gymnast. In order to understand what size of the hoop your gymnast needs, you must measure the gymnast from the top of the hip bone all the way down to the floor. Hoop's interior diameter usually starts at 51 cm and goes up to 90 cm. The interior diameter of the hoop for a Junior category gymnast is normally from 70 cm to 90 cm, for a Senior category gymnast — from 80 cm to 90 cm. Generally, the hoop should be until anywhere in between gymnast's hips and waste. 

It is a standard procedure to cover the hoop with adhesive tape (multi or single coloured). We offer specialised hoop tape for purchase in various colours. If you prefer for us to tape your new hoop before sending it to you, we are happy to do it for you. Please visit our Services page to select this option. 

It is advised to keep and carry the hoop in a special hoop cover. Please visit our shop to check various cases we have in stock.

Rhythmic gymnastics ball is normally chosen according to the size of gymnast's hand. Children over the age of 7-10 are advised to use the biggest size of the ball - 18 cm (depending on the height and size of the wrist). Younger gymnasts can start with 14 - 17 cm sized balls. 18 cm is the standard and most commonly used size of the ball. It is recommended to ask your coach to advise you on the correct apparatus size and help choose the ball required for your child.

Please note that due to changes in temperature (e.g. walking to the gym in winter) and pressure (e.g. when on the plane), the ball most likely will deflate. It is always useful to have a ball pump in the bag as one can never know when they might need it.

Balls are normally kept in special cases to prevent them from damaging and occasional deflating. Please visit our Apparatus Cases & Covers section to check these out.

With clubs, it is all about the length of gymnast's arms. Although junior category gymnasts are allowed to use clubs in the largest size (44-45 cm) which is required for seniors, they can use use the 40-41 cm ones. The appropriate length for the club is when the top of club does not extend beyond gymnast's mid-bicep on the extend arm. 

It is common to tape the clubs either partially or fully to help with the grip and add extra details (e.g. match with the leotard). We are happy to help with that by offering to tape your new clubs purchased from us. Please check the Services section of our shop to check this option out.

It is recommended to keep the clubs in a special fabric case; these are available for purchase from our shop's Apparatus Cases & Covers section as well.

Ribbon as an apparatus consists of three parts — the stick, the connector and the ribbon itself. Ribbon usually comes in either 5 metres or 6 metres; the former should be used by all gymnasts up until they compete at junior level inclusively, the latter — only by senior category gymnasts. As for the stick, it can be 50 cm, 57 cm or 60 cm, and should be chosen respectively. The handle of the stick should always have a rubber cover that is not more than 10cm in length; these can also vary in colours. The connector that comes on the stick is always the one with a metal closure; it is a very common practice to replace it with a specialised thread. It is done so to avoid possible injuries and occasional tearing when working with ribbon.

It is vital to keep the ribbon either in a special ribbon winder or folded neatly in the case; wrong storing will significantly affect gymnast's ability to practice. You can find these in our shop in the Apparatus Cases & Covers section.