The World of Gymnastics

Posts Tagged ‘Dowel grip’

Gymnastics grips are extremely important when it comes to a gymnast’s uneven bar success. One thing more important than the gymnastics hand grips themselves is the fit. If the gymnastics grips are too big or too small they are worthless and will do their job insufficiently!

In order to get the perfect fitting gymnastics grips you need to know the gymnast’s grip size. You can ensure you get the correct grip size very easily; all you have to do is measure!

When you begin to measure for dowel grips have the gymnast make her hand straight.  Take a ruler or tape measure and measure from the bottom of the palm (where the wrist and hand meet) to the very top of the middle finger (do not include finger nails, which shouldn’t be there anyway). Make sure you measure the underside of the hand, not the front. The measurement should be in inches. Once you get the final measurement all you have left to do is pick out the brand and style of gymnastics grips you want. Go to the sizing chart, look at the different grips sizes and select what grip size matches your measurements. Make sure you double check the grip size you selected.

Both hands should be the same size but on rare occasions I get a gymnast who has one hand that is significantly bigger than the other. If this is the case, you will need to measure both hands and buy two different size dowel grips that are the same brand and style.

There is one question that many gymnasts, coaches, and parents ask; grips or no grips?

Gymnastics grips are extremely important for gymnasts, especially upper level gymnasts. Grips are a piece of leather that covers and protects the gymnast’s hands. they are only used for gymnastics uneven bars. Gymnastics grips are very important for several different reasons. They allow a gymnast to grasp the bar better which reduce the risk of peeling off (slipping off the bar). Gymnastics grips also protect the gymnast’s hands from getting many rips (calluses peeling off).

There are two different types of grips; dowel and palm. Palm grips only cover the gymnast’s palms, hence the name. They are mainly used for non competitive beginners that do not have hard bar skills. Dowel grips on the other hand, cover the palm and fingers; these are mainly used by higher level competitive gymnast that work swing and release skills.

Palm Grips

Dowel Grips

Gymnastics grips are usually secured by buckles or velcro around the gymnast’s wrists. Palm grips usually velcro around the wrist making it easier for younger kids to take them on and off. While dowel grips usually buckle. This makes them stronger and less likely to slip or come on done when performing harder skills on the gymnastics uneven bars. Usually each gymnast has their own preference, either velcro or buckles.

Not every gymnast wears grips. Some gymnasts like grips while others dislike them so much they refuse to wear them. Grips are not mandatory for gymnastics bars but can help in many ways. While some gymnasts believe they are a nuisance and just get in their way.

Usually kids don’t start wearing grips until they are doing harder swing and release skills on the gymnastics bars. While some gymnasts wear grips early on so they get use to them. The decisions of grips are usually up to the coach. He/she will decide if or if not the gymnast should wear them. If they decide they are needed, they will pick which kind, palm grip or dowel grips, based on your skill level.

There are many different grip sizes. So if you coach decides gymnastics grips are right for you he will measure your hand to make sure you get the correct grip size.

If you are going to start wearing gymnastics grips don’t forget to purchase wrist bands. Wrist bands will keep the grips from slipping up and down on your wrist. They also keep the gymnastics grips from rubbing and digging into one’s skin.