LEARNING MODULE 5: Rhythmic Gymnastics: Music and

Formations; Ball Exercise:

Basic Positions and Movements
Intended Learning Outcomes:

 Enumerate and illustrate the differrent types of formations recommended in

presenting gymnastics
 Stimulate enjoyment and interest in gymnastics
 Perform the basic positions and movements of the ball with music

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS

All exercises accompanied with rhythm or music are rhythmic gymnastics. They
are called so because they are performed in a rhythmical manner and movements are
flowing. These include free hand exercises and exercises with the use of light
apparatuses such as: balls, ropes, wands, hoops, dumbbells, scarfs, etc.

Music
The music to be used should not be too fast nor too slow. Classic music, folk
music, pop or any kind of accompaniment suited to the movement may be used.

Formations
Different types of formations can be used when presenting gymnastics exercises.
It is advisable to change formation after every three figures.
The following formations are recommended:

1. Mass Formation 2.) Circle Formation

3. Square Formation 4.) Star – Formation

 5. T – Formation 6.) V – Formation

7. H– Formation 8.) Diagonal Formation

Titles of Exercises for Field Demonstrations or Exhibitions

The name of exercises or title of exercises depend upon the theme of the
occasion or the apparatus being used.
Examples:
1. Wands apparatus . . . . . . . . . “Magic Wands”
2. Rope apparatus . . . . . . . . . . “Fitness with Rope”
3. Balls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Come Join the Fun”
4. Dumbbells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Keeping Fit with Dumbbells”
5. Free Hand Exercises . . . . . . “Rhythm in Silhouette”
 BALL EXERCISE

The ball used is about seven to eight inches in diameter and it is made of rubber.
 Movements with the Balls

1. Tossing the Ball

a. Two Hand Tossing
The ball is tossed upward with both
hands, bringing the arms to upward
position as the ball is in the air.

b. One Hand Toss

The ball is held with one hand and
tossed in front of the body or at the
side of the body.
 c. One Hand Toss to the other
Hand
The ball is tossed either
overhead or down in front of the
body or at the side of the body

d. Spiral Toss
Toss the ball upward at the side by rotating
the arms inward, sideward. Flip the ball from
the wrist to toss the ball up. Catch the ball
with same hand.

d. Toss to Partner
Hold the ball with the right hand. To start the movement, swing arms
backward to forward toss the ball in front of the body.

2. Bouncing the Ball

a. Two – Hand Bouncing

 Hold the ball in front of the body at the same time swing arms sideward as the
ball is released. Catch with both hands.

b. One-Hand Bounce
Sideward or in Front
Bounce the ball with a
slight arm bend. Catch
the ball with the same
hand, end with arms
extended sideward.

b. Bounce Ball at the Back

Ball overhead, with slight body arch,
release the ball overhead. Turn and
catch the ball on the first bounce with
both hands.

3. Rolling the Ball

a. Roll on the Floor in

Front
Stride stand, bend forward
to roll the ball from right to
 left. Finish in stride position, stretch arms sideward and slightly bend
sideward.

a. Cross Sitting; Roll Ball

Around the Body
Roll the ball with the right
hand around the body.
Change rolling hand with
the left as the ball is at the
back. End with the ball in
front of the body.

b. Long Sitting; Roll Ball Around

the Body
The same movement as in cross
sitting position.

b. Prone Lying Position

Chest lift and roll and
the ball under the chest;
start from right to left
and vice-versa.

c. Rolling in Half-Squat Position

In half-squat position roll the ball
forward using the hands to roll the
ball.
 4. Swinging Movements

a. Swing Forward, Backward

Do this with slight knee bounce. Palm hold if
the ball is in front and wrist hold if the ball is in
rear of the body.

b. Swinging Ball Across the Body

in Front
From the right, swing the ball
across the body, catch with the
left hand.

References:
Clarita P. Diñoso, Ed.D. Gymnastics Book. REX Book Store. pp 61-67.
mnastics Routine using a ball.

Meet Expectations Approaching Expectations Does Not Meet Expectations

8 pts 7 pts 5 pts

8 7 5
ment Student used the required Student used the required equipment during Student does not used the required equipment
nd equipment during the routine in a the routine but lack of creativity. during the routine and lack of creativity.
creative way.

8 7 5
med Movements and Skills were Movements and Skills were performed with Movements and Skills were performed with no
ality performed properly with attention to less attention to quality of movement, body attention to quality of movement, body position,
ment quality of movement, body position, position, placement on stage and other placement on stage and other details of the skills.
kills. placement on stage and other details details of the skills. Also demonstrates less Also demonstrates no understanding of the
t of the skills. Also demonstrates understanding of the movements. movements.
s. understanding of the movements.

8 7 5
Most of the movements and skills Half of the movements and skills were not All of the movements and skills were not
utine were completed in time. The overall completed in time. The overall routine was completed in time. The overall routine was not
d routine was completed to the timing not completed to the timing and rhythm of completed to the timing and rhythm of the music
and rhythm of the music chosen. the music chosen. chosen.

8 7 5
the Majority of the moves were smooth Majority of the moves were smooth in Transitions at times were smooth but at other
m in transition and free from mistakes. transition, but mistakes were made. times were discontinuous and mistakes were
made.

8 7 5

ming Shows effort when performing Shows little effort while performing the Shows no effort while performing
choreography choreography choreography.