Let's continue our RG 101 series by diving into the 3rd apparatus of rhythmic gymnastics: the hoop!
What is a hoop?
Before you begin... No, this isn't the children's "hula hoop". And no, this isn't the hoop of "hooping" either.
What are the tricks and skills of a rhythmic gymnastics hoop?
The most obvious skill of a hoop would be rotating the hoop. Before you come at me claiming "anyone could do that too", try hooping this apparatus through various body parts while moving about!
Here's what a rhythmic gymnast could do, from the foot up to the neck, then to the elbows and back:
Another trick is twisting the hoop, usually on the palm:
Sometimes gymnasts twist the hoop on the floor:
Still think these are easy? Try rolling it on your body while flaunting effortless gymnastics tricks:
Do you know? There are only two apparatuses that can perform the boomerang trick... and the hoop is one of them!
In layman's terms, a boomerang means a matter that goes away and returns:
"But... how???"
I'm no expert, but physics rotation and speed are definitely at play here! The boomerang action is much more interesting in the group:
Given its reasonably study physical properties, gymnasts can bounce off the hoop from their bodies.
The next skill is passing the hoop... or through the hoop!
The fundamental passing of the hoop is from one hand to the other:
Now, what about... through the hoop???
The example above is the perfect introduction to our next hoop skills...
The textbook apparatus difficulty: the throw and catch.
Every apparatus can be thrown and caught. The trick is to perform them with extra difficulties, such as:
Throwing and/or catching while in motion. Below is an example of catching the hoop while doing a reverse walkover:
Throwing and/or catching without direct vision:
Throwing and/or catching using body parts other than the hands, such as the foot:
Or a combination of any/all of the mastery above! Look at this incredible feat, of throwing the hooping using her foot and catching it with her back:
Favourite hoop routines?
Easy, Italy group's 5 hoops!!!
"Hang on, you finally suggested a group routine?!"
Yup. The Italian group never fail to amaze me and of all their routines, this is my personal favourite! There're more criteria to look out for in a group performance, and I would say the Italian Farfalle nailed it. Every. Single. Thing.
I'm still awestruck by their originality too:
There are two other routines that I thoroughly enjoy watching:
Yana Kudryavtseva's 2016 hoop...
And Arina Averina's 2018 hoop routine.
I'm pumped... What's next?
We shall move on to our fourth apparatus of rhythmic gymnastics: the clubs! Till then, see ya!
Disclaimer:
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Cover image information:
"Ekaterina Fetisova" by Indrek Kask
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