TeamGym

TeamGym is a form of gymnastics that emphasizes teamwork, group dynamics, and synchronized routines. Originating in Europe, TeamGym has gained popularity across the continent and has started to spread to other parts of the world. It combines elements of artistic gymnastics, tumbling, and trampoline, making it a unique and dynamic sport. TeamGym competitions involve three sections: floor exercise, tumbling, and trampette.

History

The origins of TeamGym trace back to the 1980s in Europe, where it was developed to promote gymnastics as a team sport. It was initially called Euroteam before being renamed TeamGym. The European Union of Gymnastics (UEG) officially recognized TeamGym as a discipline in the early 1990s, and the first European Championships were held in 1996.

Disciplines

TeamGym competitions are divided into three main disciplines:

Floor Exercise

In the floor exercise, teams perform a choreographed routine to music on a 12x12 meter floor area. The routine emphasizes group formations, dance elements, and collective acrobatics. Judges evaluate the teams based on synchronization, difficulty, and artistic presentation.

Tumbling

The tumbling discipline involves athletes performing a series of acrobatic skills along a 25-meter track. Skills include flips, twists, and somersaults. Teams are judged on the difficulty of their tumbling passes, execution, and landing stability.

Trampette

In the trampette discipline, athletes use a mini-trampoline to perform aerial skills, including somersaults and twists, often over a vaulting table. This discipline showcases the athletes' aerial technique, height, and precision. Judges score based on difficulty, execution, and landing.

Teams

A TeamGym team consists of 6 to 12 athletes, with competitions divided into male, female, and mixed categories. Teams can compete at various levels, from local and national competitions to the European Championships.

Training

Training for TeamGym focuses on developing strength, flexibility, and acrobatic skills, as well as fostering teamwork and synchronization. Athletes often train in elements of artistic gymnastics, tumbling, and trampoline to build the necessary skills for TeamGym routines.

Popularity and Growth

TeamGym has seen significant growth in popularity, particularly in countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Great Britain. The sport's emphasis on teamwork and group performance has made it appealing to a wide range of participants. Efforts are ongoing to increase its visibility and expand its reach globally.

See Also

• Artistic Gymnastics
• Tumbling (gymnastics)
• Trampoline Gymnastics