Acrobatic Element

A skill where the body passes through an inverted position. Most of these types of skills are illegal in rhythmic gymnastics, with the exception of walkover skills

Acrobatics (Sports)

Boys and girls take part in sports acrobatics. Balances form a major part of this sport, but it also involves gymnastic skills such as acrobatics, dance movements, and tumbling.

Amplitude

Full flexibility, maximum strength and height. For example, good amplitude in a split leap means that full spit is achieved as well as maximum height and distance.
(Picture from Nikki Johnson)

Arabesque

A pose on one leg with the other leg extended behind and the body forming a graceful curve. Often used for a balance or pivot.

Arch jump

Similar to a strait jump except that the body is positioned with a graceful backwards arch in the air

Apparatus

The small hand apparatus used in rhythmic gymnastics includes the rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. The apparatus is fundamental to RSG and is used in various ways (depending on it's chacteristics) - such as in throws, bounces, catches, skips, circles etc.

Artistic gymnastics

Unlike rhythmic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics is performed ON the apparatus - vault, bars, beam and floor for women, and vault, parallel bars, high bar, floor, pommel horse and rings for men. Artistic gymnastics requires strength, power, skill and flexibility in order to perform the complex acrobatic elements

Assemble

A jump in which the legs are brought togeather in the air, before landing in 5th position.

Asymmetrical

When two parts of the whole are not the same. For example, a small circle in one hand with one club, whilst the other is being thrown into the air.

Attitude

A balance position on one foot, leg lifted high with the knee bent. The leg can be lifted behind or in frount of the body.

Axis throw

A throw with the hoop where the hoop spins around it's horizontal axis.