Ball size is the question every parent gets wrong the first time. Rhythmic gymnastics balls come in three practical sizes, and choosing by the gymnast's hand, not age alone, makes catches and rolls dramatically easier.
Quick answer: which ball size do you need?
- 15 cm (~300 g): the right start for ages 3–9.
- 17 cm (~350 g): the in-between size for gymnasts around 10–12, or smaller athletes moving up from 15 cm.
- 18–19 cm (~400 g+): the FIG competition size for juniors and seniors.
Young gymnasts train with 15–17 cm balls. The competition size is used by juniors, seniors and USA Levels 9–10. If you are unsure where your gymnast fits, use the hand test below rather than age alone.
Rhythmic gymnastics ball size chart
| Ball size | Approx. weight | Who it suits | Our pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 cm | ~300 g | Ages 3–9, small hands | Metallic PVC ball, 15 cm |
| 17 cm | ~350 g | Around 10–12, or smaller athletes moving up from 15 cm | Glitter ball, 17 cm |
| 18–19 cm | At least 400 g | Juniors and seniors in FIG competition; USA Levels 9–10 | Metallic + glitter ball, 19 cm |
15 cm: ages 3–9 (~300 g)
Small hands need the 15 cm ball. It is light enough for one-hand balances, and small palms can wrap around it for rolls. If the gymnast can't hold the ball in one hand palm-down, size down.
17 cm: the in-between (~350 g)
The 17 cm glitter ball suits gymnasts around 10–12 or smaller athletes moving up from 15 cm. The extra weight helps throws stabilize without straining the wrist.
18–19 cm: FIG competition size (~400 g+)
Juniors and seniors compete with an 18–19 cm ball of at least 400 g. Competition balls are made of rubber or synthetic material. The 19 cm metallic + glitter ball meets the standard with the high-shine finish judges see from across the carpet. If your gymnast is heading toward the upper competitive levels, our guide to rhythmic gymnastics levels in the USA shows where the move to the full-size ball fits.
How to choose: a simple hand-test checklist
- Start with the age range in the chart above, but treat it as a starting point only.
- Do the one-hand test. Ask your gymnast to hold the ball in one hand, palm-down. If she can't, size down.
- Try a roll along the arm. The ball should travel smoothly without her having to stretch her fingers to their limit.
- Check the throws. A ball that is slightly heavier should feel steadier in the air. If her wrist looks strained, the ball is too much for now.
- Ask her coach. Coaches know whether a gymnast is ready to move up.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying by age alone. Two children of the same age can have very different hand sizes.
- Buying too big "to grow into." A ball that doesn't fit the hand makes catches and rolls harder, and it can make learning frustrating.
- Jumping straight to the competition ball. Children train with 15–17 cm balls. The full-size ball is for juniors and seniors.
- Skipping the 17 cm step for athletes who are still small. It is made for exactly that transition.
- Leaving the ball in a hot car or cold bag. Both can damage the ball (more in the care section below).
Putting together a first kit? Our beginner equipment guide covers what else to buy alongside the ball.
Finish: metallic vs glitter vs silicone
- Metallic PVC – the classic training choice, grippy and durable.
- Glitter – competition sparkle, slightly smoother surface.
- Silicone – premium feel and the best cold-hall grip.
Make it last
Heat is the enemy: never leave a ball in the car, and store it in an insulated ball cover in winter, because cold PVC loses pressure and grip. Browse all sizes in the balls collection, or see our apparatus covers for more ways to protect your gear.
FAQ
What size ball does a 10-year-old need?
Gymnasts around 10–12 usually suit the 17 cm ball (~350 g). Smaller athletes moving up from 15 cm often start here too. Check with the one-hand, palm-down test before you buy.
What size ball is used in competition?
Juniors and seniors compete with an 18–19 cm ball of at least 400 g, made of rubber or synthetic material. USA Levels 9–10 also use this size. Younger children train with 15–17 cm balls.
How do I know if the ball is too big?
If your gymnast can't hold the ball in one hand palm-down, it is too big, so size down. Struggling with rolls or straining her wrist on throws are other signs. A smaller ball makes catches and rolls easier while she builds control.
Should I choose a metallic, glitter or silicone ball?
Metallic PVC is the classic training choice: grippy and durable. Glitter adds competition sparkle with a slightly smoother surface. Silicone has a premium feel and the best grip in cold halls.
How should I store a rhythmic gymnastics ball?
Never leave it in the car, because heat is the enemy. In winter, keep it in an insulated ball cover, since cold PVC loses pressure and grip. Good storage helps the ball keep its feel for longer.