Clubs are thrown, swung, rolled and caught in pairs, often while the gymnast is turning or leaping. A pair that is too long for the gymnast's arms makes mills and small circles clumsy; a pair that is too short feels light and unstable in throws. Here's how to choose the right length.
The elbow-to-fingertip rule
A common rule of thumb: a club should be about as long as the gymnast's forearm and hand, measured from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Hold a club along the forearm with the head at the elbow: the end of the body should reach roughly to the fingertips.
| Club length | Usually suits |
|---|---|
| 36 cm | Young children and first classes |
| 41 cm | Growing gymnasts, around 8-12 years |
| 45 cm | Teens and adults; juniors and seniors |
Age ranges are a guide only; measure the arm, because two gymnasts of the same age can need different sizes.
Competition rules
From the USA Gymnastics apparatus regulations, which follow the FIG norms:
- Length: 40-50 cm for juniors and seniors; children's and Hope divisions from 25 cm, appropriate to the size of the gymnast.
- Weight: at least 150 g per club for juniors and seniors; at least 75 g per club in children's and Hope divisions.
- Shape: like a bottle. The wide part is the body, the narrow part the neck, ending in a small head with a maximum diameter of 3 cm.
- Material: wood or synthetic.
- Tape: the neck and body may be covered with adhesive tape; anti-slip material may cover the head if it stays within 3 cm.
Always check the current season's rules for your level.
Beginner clubs vs competition clubs
Beginner clubs are usually one piece, light and forgiving. Our 36 cm thermoplastic clubs are made for gymnasts taking their first steps with clubs: swings, circles, mills and small throws.
As technique improves, gymnasts move to two-part clubs. The connectable clubs come in 36, 41 and 45 cm, so a gymnast can move up a size as they grow and keep the same model and feel in training.
Decorating and caring for clubs
- Tape the necks and bodies to match the leotard. Decorative tapes work on clubs as well as hoops.
- Check the joins on two-part clubs regularly and press them firmly together before training.
- Carry clubs in a case so they don't get scratched or dented in the gym bag. See our apparatus covers and cases.
Browse clubs and hoops, or read our hoop size guide next.