| The
balance beam is an event that is for women only. The beam is about
16 feet long, and four inches wide. The height is adjustable but the
official height for competing is 3 feet, 11 inches. The surface of
the beam is padded to allow for gymnasts to do harder stunts without
getting hurt as badly if they fall.
There is also a routine for the balance beam. To mount the beam you may use a springboard if you want to, but it is not required. A beam routine must have jump series, balances, agility moves, turns, tumbling, and acrobatic combinations. A routine is allowed to last anywhere from 70-90 seconds. Gymnasts gain points for difficult tricks, and good form, but lose points for lack of technique or falling. The balance beam is a very challenge event, and requires a lot of practice to be able to do all of the required tricks without falling off. |
