Preliminary Study on Psychomotor Abilities Decisive for Technical Routines in Rhythmic Gymnastics

Abstract

The aim of the research is to establish the level of some psychomotor abilities by determining the rhythmic gymnasts’ capability to perform apparatus-specific technical skills within the composition of their routines, according to the provisions of the 2017-2020 Code of Points. The Wireless training timer (Witty) testing equipment was used to assess relevant types of speed in junior rhythmic gymnasts. The reaction time, execution time and travel speed time were measured in similar technical conditions or close to those encountered in training and competitions. The 14 gymnasts included in the research, aged between 13 and 15 years, are part of the National Olympic Centre for juniors in Arad, all being enrolled in the preparatory stage of training. The analysis of the data from both static and dynamic tests established a referential for the forms of speed to be enhanced by means of apparatus-specific technical routines. Results provide interesting information on the average values, inter-individual differences and homogeneity-related issues (which are relevant especially for gymnasts performing in the group event). The key features of these data, as well as previous analysis of junior routines for the 2017-2020 Olympic cycle, have led us to the conclusion that, in order to get a high score for apparatus difficulty/mastery, more difficulty elements should be added, which requires an increase in all kinds of speed involved by the technique of a specific event.

Components of competition routines in rhythmic gymnastics depending on the type of apparatus

“…Routines with different types of apparatus do not differ in the component of artistry, which indicates that gymnasts express artistic characteristics equally through all movement patterns, regardless of the type of apparatus they use (Dobrijević, Moskovljević & Ranisavljev, 2021). On the other hand, the current code of points (FIG, 2017) clearly favours the component of apparatus difficulties, as a means by which an infinite number of points, and thereby a better ranking in competitions, can be provided (Chiriac, Teodorescu, & Bota, 2020). This situation, which indicates a negative influence of the scoring system on artistic expression in rhythmic gymnastics, has existed before.…”

“…Specifically, gymnasts tend to perform the same body difficulties in their routines regardless of the type of apparatus, which can be noticed in both young elite competitors (Chiriac et al, 2019) and senior athletes (Agiopan, 2014; Trifunov & Dobrijevic, 2013), leading to certain predictability of the composition content or even to monotonous routines. Additionally, in order to achieve better competitive performance, it is necessary to increase the number of apparatus difficulties (Chiriac et al, 2020), which, due to the speed necessary for performing a large number of elements in a limited time interval (Hashimoto, Kida, & Nomura, 2018), disrupts the unity of composition and makes it difficult to express the artistic characteristics of competitors.…”

“…Судијски правилник у ритмичкој гимнастици често се мења и прилагођава тренду развоја ове спортске гране, усмеравајући га у одређеном правцу, али са циљем унапређења објективности суђења ( 2017), требало би у саставима предвидети што већи број елемената тежина реквизитима у саставу који је временски ограничен (75-90 s), што захтева добро усавршено техничко мајсторство и значајно повећање брзине њиховог извођења (Chiriac, Teodorescu, & Bota, 2020). Оваква тенденција развоја ритмичке гимнастике усмерена ка повећању броја техничких елемената реквизитима, може утицати на квалитет других компоненти састава, посебно на уметничку вредност.…”

“…The code of points in rhythmic gymnastics is often changed and adjusted to the development trend of this sport, guiding it in a specific direction, and with the aim of improving the judging objectivity ( (Örs, 2021). In order to get the best possible result i.e., achieve a higher apparatus difficulty score, according to the currently applicable code of points (FIG, 2017), routines should provide for as many of the apparatus difficulty elements as possible in the routine that is time-limited (75-90 s), which requires well-perfected technical mastery and a significant increase in the speed of their execution (Chiriac, Teodorescu, & Bota, 2020). This development trend of rhythmic gymnastics, aimed at increasing the number of apparatus technical elements, can affect the quality of other routine components, especially artistry.…”

A Different Perspective for Coaching and Training Education According to Score Changes During Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships

“…At the end of 2017, FIG rhythmic gymnastics technical committee decided to remove the maximum limit for D score. This change led to substantial modifications in the related scores (D 1 -D 2 and D 3 -D 4 ) and therefore in the final score (Chiriac, Teodorescu & Bota, 2020). On the other hand, for the execution component, judges evaluate the performance quality during the routines and also deduct technical and artistic faults (Batista, Gomes, Garnagta, & Ávila-Carvalho, 2018).…”