How do throws and catches score in rhythmic gymnastics?
I · Intermediate · The individual exercise · 2 of 5Two ways. A dynamic element with rotation is a high throw, at least two full rotations of the body while the apparatus is in the air, and a catch. An apparatus difficulty is an unusual way of handling the apparatus, such as catching without the hands or out of sight. Up to four of the first and fifteen of the second count.
How it works
- The rotation element: a high throw, two or more rotational elements and a catch of the apparatus, in combination.
- High: "more than 2 heights of the standing gymnast".
- Two rotations: each a complete 360 degrees, both under the flight, with no extra step between them.
- The catch: from the air. A catch after a bounce on the floor is not valid.
- Value: 0.20 for the basic version, and more for added criteria during the throw, the flight or the catch.
- Four at most: counted in the order performed.
- Different each time: if two are performed identically, the second is not valid.
- Apparatus difficulty: a technical element with the apparatus performed with at least two extra criteria, or a catch from a high throw joined to a second element.
- Criteria: for example handling "outside the visual field".
- Fifteen at most: counted in the order performed, however well each is done. Extra ones are ignored.
- On the floor: no more than three apparatus difficulties in a row may be done in a position on the floor.
- Extra steps: steps before or after the two rotations leave the element valid, with an execution penalty.
The glossary has the dynamic element with rotation, the apparatus difficulty entry, the body difficulty entry, the hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon entry and the difficulty entry.
Tricky cases
A gymnast throws, does one roll and catches. Does that count as a rotation element?
No. It needs two rotations under the flight.
She takes two running steps to reach the catch. Is the element lost?
No, if the steps come before or after the two rotations. It is valid, with an execution penalty of 0.10 for an imprecise trajectory.
She lets the hoop bounce once and then catches it. Is that valid?
No. The apparatus must be caught from the flight.
She performs seventeen apparatus difficulties. Is she penalised for the extra two?
No. Only the first fifteen are evaluated, and there is no penalty.
Why the rule exists
A high throw is a risk: the gymnast gives up the apparatus and has to be in the right place when it comes down. Requiring two rotations with no steps between means she cannot watch it or chase it. The apparatus difficulties reward handling that the hands alone could not do.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | At most four rotation elements | FIG RG Part 1, B 4.3.1 |
| Group | At most one | FIG RG Part 2, B 1.6 |
| Individual | At most 15 apparatus difficulties | FIG RG Part 1, B 5.2.1 |
| Group | Collaborations take the place of apparatus difficulties | FIG RG Part 2, B 1.4 |
From the rule book
Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, Code of Points 2025-2028, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Part 1, section B, articles 4, 5 and 7. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: 2025-2028 Code of Points, Rhythmic Gymnastics (PDF).