High Bar in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics: A Beginner’s Guide
The high bar, also known as the horizontal bar, is often regarded as one of the most thrilling events in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, owing to the remarkable power displayed by gymnasts during giant swings and their spectacular aerial releases and dismounts, which frequently involve multiple flips, twists and release elements over the bar.
Main Information
The high bar, traditionally consists of a cylindrical metal (typically steel) bar that is rigidly held above and parallel to the floor by a system of cables and stiff vertical supports. Gymnasts typically wear suede leather grips while performing on the bar. The current elite-level competition uses a stainless steel core rail.
The elements performed on the bar are governed by the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Code of Points. A bar routine constitutes a sequence of several skills, and typically incorporates giants executed with various grips (including overgrip, undergrip, dorsal grip, and mixed grip), in-bar elements, turns, release and regrasp skills, and a dismount.
Dimensions
The 6th (and last) apparatus in the MAG Olympic order
Timeline of the Apparatus
IIIII Focus on other apparatus: Floor Exercise in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics
8 things to know about the apparatus
What’s a Good Score on the Horizontal Bar?
Tang Chia-hung (TPE) has currently one of the most difficult HB routines with a D score at 6.7. In terms of execution, Anthony Mansard (FRA) recorded a remarkable score of 9.000 at the European Championships, although such instances are very rare. The standard top execution scores typically range from 8.200 to 8.800. Additionally, the highest total score was also attained by Tang Chia-hung at the Asian Championships.
The G.O.A.T.S
How to Watch High Bar: A Beginner’s Checklist
Use this simple checklist the next time you watch a bar routine
1. START WITH THE BIG PICTURE
– The routine lasts 35-50 seconds
– The gymnast must keep continuous motion
– The goal: combine difficulty, flow, and control
2. WATCH THE SWING RHYTHM
– Look for long, stretched body positions
– Swings should look effortless, not forced
– Extra or slow swings usually mean deductions
3. SPOT THE RELEASE SKILLS (WHEN THE GYMNAST LETS GO OF THE BAR)
– Fly high
– Re-catch the bar cleanly
– Keep swinging without interruption
4. NOTICE TURNS & TRANSITIONS
– Watch how the gymnast changes grip or direction
– Turns should look controlled, not rushed
– Pauses or adjustments cost points
5. LOOK FOR COMMON MISTAKES
– Bent arms or legs
– Feet brushing the bar
– Extra swings after a skill
– Visible struggle to keep momentum
6. DISMOUNT = CRUCIAL
– Release high
– Rotate cleanly
– Stick the landing (no steps) to get a +0.1 bonus
Want to know more?
The MAG Code of Points 2025-2028: Review & Analysis
FIG: Apparatus Features & Characteristics
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