Enhancing technical preparedness in rhythmic gymnasts through ambidexterity training of arm movements using a ribbon

At the current stage of development of rhythmic gymnastics, there is an increase in the technical complexity of individual body elements and competitive routines as a whole through the integration of various movements with apparatus, performed equally with both hands. The symmetry in mastering apparatus handling techniques at a high level—ambidexterity—is a significant factor in the performance effectiveness in rhythmic gymnastics. At the same time, there is a lack of specialized methods for effectively enhancing ambidexterity within existing training programs, which would allow for the optimization of technical and apparatus training processes in rhythmic gymnastics in accordance with current development trends. The purpose of the study is to determine the direction of enhancing technical preparedness in rhythmic gymnasts through ambidexterity training of arm movements with a ribbon during the training phase of sports preparation. Research methods and organization. A set of research methods was applied: analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature; pedagogical observations; expert evaluation; and mathematical processing of research results. During the pedagogical observations, the content of work with the apparatus in the competitive programs of highly qualified athletes at the 2025 “Cup of the Strongest” in rhythmic gymnastics was analyzed. Expert assessment of the quality of technical elements performed with the ribbon in both the right and left hands, as well as the demonstration of ambidexterity among the athletes, was conducted according to competition rules and a ten-point scale. The data obtained during the study were subjected to mathematical processing using the “Stratigraphic Plus” software. Research results and conclusions. The data obtained during the study enabled the determination of the direction of technical preparation with a ribbon, taking into account the characteristics of ambidextrous arm movements, for athletes in the training phase of rhythmic gymnastics.