horizontal bar

Fabian Hambüchen at the horizontal bar

A bar grip (front view)

The high bar, also known as the horizontal bar, is an apparatus used in Artistic Gymnastics. It consists of a cylindrical metal (typically steel) bar that is rigidly held above and parallel to the floor by a system of cables and stiff vertical supports. It is only used by male gymnasts, who typically wear grips while performing on the bar.

The gymnastics elements performed on the horizontal bar are regulated by the Code of Points. A bar routine, which is a sequence of several bar skills, usually includes giant swings with various grips (overgrip, undergrip, dorsal grip, mixed grip), in-bar work, turns, release and regrasp skills, and a dismount. The high bar is often considered one of the most exciting gymnastics events due to the power exhibited by gymnasts during giant swings and spectacular aerial releases and dismounts that often include multiple flips or twists and, in some cases, airborne travel over the bar.

Dimensions

The mechanical dimensions of the high bar apparatus are specified in FIG's Apparatus Norms brochure:

• Height: 278 cm (including about 20 cm landing mats)
• Length: 240 cm
• Diameter of the bar: 29mm

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Horizontal bar

Gymnastics portal

• The 2006 Code of Points
• Apparatus description at the FIG website

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