Mens

Men's Artistic Gymnastics:

• Builds strength and prepares the body for the challenges in life
• Enhances co-ordination and agility, allowing the body to move like lightning
• Develops posture and confident body movement
• Challenges the mind and body to reach new goals
• Develops healthy minds and bodies for now and later life

Men's Gymnastics is composed of six apparatus as explained below. This is the competitive route for boys having been assessed and training more hours:

Floor:

This is an exercise in pure acrobatics, alternating between powerful tumbling series and the composure necessary for balance and strength elements. The gymnast endeavours to display virtuous rebound height, whilst connecting the elements of their routine with gymnastic artistry. 

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 combine these skills and variations of circles both on and off the pommel handles to create great difficulty and and higher value routine. Throughout the routine the gymnast performs smooth combinations of these movements, turning and travelling along the horse. Utilising all parts of the horse, while maintaining an extended body line and straight legs.  

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, where any movement of the rings incurs a penalty. During his performance, the gymnast should demonstrate control, strength and balance in the presentation of forward and backward swings and strength holds parts. The gymnast's dismount allows him to show his aerial abilities prior to landing.

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. Did you know; the average male gymnast accelerates faster than Husain Bolt in the same distance!

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. The high dismounts from the bar allows the gymnast to show his acrobatic talents and landing prowess.

Swallows Gymnasts

Plymouth Swallows offer mens artistic gymnastics from 5 to 16+ years. We have numerous classes starting with our youngest developmental boys who are picked after being assessed by a coach. This will indicate, through testing strength, flexiility and coordination, that they have a better than average gymnastic ability. The club will then be able to offer a place in an appropriate class according to their ability and progression. We are happy to trial any gymnast who believe they may be driven and determined enough to participate in this difficult, but ultimately rewarding sport.

These boys are encouraged to train towards competitive gymnastics which would lead to competitions both in our region and nationally, for higher level. We currently compete at novice, intermetiate and elite level and boys who train towards this are expected to show committment and maturity in working towards building on there ability to acheive the best that they can. Families of these gymnasts give many hours of their time, encouragement and financial help. It is with this that these boys are able to train towards a high standard of mens artistic gymnastics to represent our region in their chosen sport.