The paper presents the approach to analyse of reaction forces and contact pressure for ring-traveller system in twisting machine. The theory of the ballooning yarn has been adapted for the calculation of reactions, and the motion equation is developed for traveller with two reaction forces. The components of normal reaction forces are analyzed for system with free balloon and control one. The effect of the balloon control ring is shown to be significant, reducing the reaction forces of traveller or increasing the speed of spindle. Contact pressure generated between the ring and the traveller is analyzed using Hertzian contact theory. The article also presents the recommendations for optimization of the traveller shape to increase its service life.