The balance beam is a gymnastics apparatus used exclusively by female gymnasts. Routines on the beam include leaps, acrobatic skills, turns, and dance elements—performed without music. One reason men do not compete on this apparatus is the risk of injuring the testicles. However, in some high school gymnastics events, boys may occasionally compete on the balance beam.
Find more balance beam techniques at Artistic Gymnastics Main.
The balance beam is 125 cm high and 5 meters long. Originally, the beam was made entirely of wood and measured 10 cm wide. Since the 1980s, balance beams have been covered in leather or suede for better grip and comfort.
Balance beam routines must last between 60 and 90 seconds. After 80 seconds, a ringtone alerts the gymnast. If the routine is not completed within 10 seconds after the signal, points are deducted.
Routines consist of leaps, acrobatic skills, turns, and dance elements. The gymnast must mount and dismount the beam independently. A common dismount is a front layout flip with a full twist, landed securely on mats (a “stuck landing”). Using a springboard to mount the beam is allowed, and the coach may enter the competition area to remove the springboard afterward.
Special footwear designed for balance beam (similar to ballet shoes) exists, though most gymnasts choose to compete barefoot.
When learning new skills, lower the beam and surround it with mats for safety. Also, practice the same skills on the floor.
Over time, gymnasts have included more tumbling elements in beam routines. In the early days, routines were mostly dance-based. Later, handstands and rolls were added, and by the 1960s, the most difficult move on beam was the back handspring. Today, gymnasts almost always include short tumbling passes and flips in their routines.
