Hand guard
Encyclopedia
Hand guards are devices worn by athletes in artistic gymnastics
. Various types of hand guards are used by gymnasts:
Artistic gymnastics
Artistic gymnastics is a discipline of gymnastics where gymnasts perform short routines on different apparatus, with less time for vaulting . The sport is governed by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique , which designs the Code of Points and regulates all aspects of international elite...
. Various types of hand guards are used by gymnasts:
- GripGrip (gymnastics)Grips are devices that are worn on the hands of artistic gymnasts when performing on various gymnastics apparatus. They are worn by female gymnasts on the uneven bars, and by male gymnasts on the high bar, still rings and parallel bars...
s are used on the uneven bars, high bar, still rings and parallel bars to enhance the gymnast's grip and, in the case of bar exercises, to reduce friction between the gymnast's hands and the bar.
- Braces do not offer the gymnast any performance advantage, but help to prevent injury by providing support and lessening impact on the wrists and hands.
- Wrist guards are usually worn by male gymnasts performing on the pommel horsePommel horseThe pommel horse is an artistic gymnastics apparatus. Traditionally, it is used by only male gymnasts. Originally made of a metal frame with a wooden body and a leather cover, modern pommel horses have a metal body covered with foam rubber and leather, with plastic handles .- History :The pommel...
, and sometimes by female gymnasts on the floor exercise or vaultVault (gymnastics)The vault is an artistic gymnastics apparatus, as well as the skill performed using that apparatus. Vaulting is also the action of performing a vault. Both male and female gymnasts perform the vault...
.