The beam is an event that requires excellent hand-eye coordination. Because the beam is some what shaky for the gymnasts protection, balance is hard to keep. However, balance is key. Muscle strength is also needed. Performing handstands on the beam is hard and falling causes more soreness and injury then lifting weights to build up arm muscle.
On the beam, keeping your balance is extremely important. One fall deducts points from your overall score. Jumping off of the beam and then landing is hard to do.
| Arm strength and concentration are much needed to perform the many tricks that are performed on beam. One slip up could cause you serious injury. |  |
The beam is
about 5 feet tall and one foot wide. It is stable,
however it moves so when you land out of a trick, you are not forced to
have a hard landing in which you could injure yourself. |