| Gymnastics Balance Beam |
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Information AboutGymnastics Balance Beam |
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DIMENSIONS Measures of the apparatus are published by the FIG in the ''Apparatus Norms'' brochure.
Originally, the beam surface was plain polished wood. Since the 1980 s, beams have been covered in leather or suede. In addition, they are now also sprung to accommodate the stress of high-difficulty tumbling and dance skills. SCORING AND RULES Competitors are scored on form, execution and completion of tumbling and acrobatic skills. At the elite level, the routine choreography and composition are determined by the gymnast and her coaches. Under the '' Code Of Points '', gymnasts must perform several required skills, including a 360 degree turn, a leap showing 180 degree split, acrobatic elements backwards, and acrobatic elements forward or sideways. As well as fulfilling the special requirements, gymnasts also gain points for connecting skills of certain value. The dismount is also important. Deductions are taken for lapses in control, balance checks, poor technique, failure to fulfill all the required elements and falls, among other things.
EVOLUTION In the early days of women's artistic gymnastics, beam was based more in dance than in tumbling. Routines were composed with combinations of leaps, dance poses, Handstand s, rolls and walkovers. In the 1960 s, the most difficult acrobatic skill performed by the average Olympic gymnast was a Back Handspring . Balance beam difficulty began to increase dramatically in the 1970 s. Olga Korbut and Nadia Comaneci pioneered advanced tumbling combinations and aerial skills on beam; other athletes and coaches began to follow suit. The change was also facilitated by the transition from wooden beams to safer, less slippery models with suede-covered surfaces. By the mid 1980 s, top gymnasts routinely performed flight series and multiple aerial elements on beam. EXTERNAL LINKS
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