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Apparatus The Rope: It does not have handles, but can have small knots at each end to make it easier to hold. It is made of natural or man-made materials. The length is determined by the height of the gymnast. They can be purchased in many colors to match the gym suit. A rope routine is filled with jumps and leaps. The gymnast can also throw and catch the rope. She must show control of the rope's shape while moving constantly through the routine. The Hoop: It is made of lightweight wood or plastic. It can be rolled, spun, tossed and flipped. It can be leaped over, jumped threw and run around. They come in many sizes, to match the size of the gymnast. Also they can be decorated with tape to coordinate with the gym suit. The Ball: It is made of a glossy rubber or plastic. It can be bounced, tossed, flipped, juggled and rolled. They come in different sizes for younger gymnasts and come in different colors to match the suits. Clubs: They can be made of wood, plastic or rubber. A club routine is difficult to perform as there are two clubs that can be tossed, rolled, spun, do figure eights or tapped. They can be decorated with tape and come in different colors. Ribbon: The ribbon is one of the most popular types of apparatus. It is made satin, nylon or other lightweight fabric, while the stick can be wood or plastic or fiberglass. During a routine the gymnast tries to keep the whole ribbon in motion by doing snakes, spirals, circle patterns, while she balances, pivots and leaps through the air. Skirt: Not a traditional apparatus, but is used in recreation gymnastics and performances, it is an extension of the body and flows with the music while gymnasts leap and turn. Scarves: Not a traditional apparatus, but is used in recreation gymnastics and performances, it can be of any size, color and length. This page was last updated on August 8, 2000. Questions or comments can be sent to samporgc@yahoo.com. © Sampo Rhythmic Gymnastics Club, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. 2000. This site was designed by Gil Pharand.