Hand Guard

Hand guards are devices worn by athletes in artistic gymnastics. Various types of hand guards are used by gymnasts:

  • Grips 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 horse, and sometimes by female gymnasts on the floor exercise or vault.
Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus and Equipment
WAG apparatus (in Olympic order)
  • Vault
  • Uneven bars
  • Balance beam
  • Floor
MAG apparatus (in Olympic order)
  • Floor
  • Pommel horse
  • Still rings
  • Vault
  • Parallel bars or P-bars
  • Horizontal bar or High Bar
Equipment and uniforms
  • Braces
  • Grips
  • Mats
  • Uniforms

Famous quotes containing the words hand and/or guard:

    “If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off;”
    —Bible: New Testament, Mark 9:43.

    Jesus.

    “One should never intend to do harm to others, but should always guard against the harm others might do to him.”
    —Chinese proverb.