Stillness and proper body position while performing strength elements are paramount on the still rings. Gymnasts with the best command of the event will display extraordinary skill in arriving at all holds with absolute precision. The rings should be absolutely still and under control at the end of each skill. The body should be straight with no arching, and arms should be sturdy and strong with no shaking.

The still rings routine must include one swing to handstand and swings to strength hold elements. At least two elements of strength, one swing to strength element and the other a static strength element, must be held for two seconds during the routine.

Examples of strength elements include a cross, an inverted cross and a swallow or Maltese cross.

Today, the trend among gymnasts is to achieve a high difficulty value for their routine by combining strength moves with one another.

Look for confidence in the strength elements. The gymnast should move directly into the proper and controlled position when performing his cross or Maltese, stopping securely for a full two seconds, and then move smoothly into the next part. During the swinging elements, watch for stretched body positions and straight handstands.

Cardinal men that work rings: Jacob Barrus, Ryan Sheppard, Robert Neff, Josiah Eng, Grant Breckenridge, Gareth Wiess, Barrett Wiess, Bailey Perez, Connor Lewis, David Jessen, Ben Swartout, Andrew Bitner, Trevor DiGeralamo, Thomas Lee

Who to watch: Andrew Bitner’s execution is on the rise. Watch him develop into one of the top ringman in the country.

This event is difficult because:

It requires a great deal of upper body strength and it is almost impossible to obtain a high start value without strength moves in the routine. Gymnasts without excellent upper-body strength fail to score high on this event. If a gymnast does have a high difficulty value, it often boils down to sticking the dismount in order to win.

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