Just four inches wide, the balance beam challenges gymnasts because they must execute routines that give the impression that they are performing on the floor. The world’s best seem to “attack” the beam and are very confident while demonstrating excellent height, flexibility, and power. The beam routine may not exceed 90 seconds and must cover […]

While both a women’s and men’s event, high level floor routines vary considerably between them. At the “optional” levels of gymnastics (7-10), floor exercises gives female gymnasts the chance to express their personalities through their music choice and choreography. Gymnasts often get energy from the crowd and they usually welcome audience participation in clapping to […]

Often a crowd favorite in women’s gymnastics, the uneven bars demand excellent upper-body strength, split-second timing and an aggressive approach. The entire routine should flow from one movement to the next without pauses, extra swings, or additional supports. The most daring parts of the routine are often in the high-flying release moves and dismounts. Release […]

A parallel bar routine consists mostly of various swing and flight elements. The gymnast should not stop or hold a move more than three times during the routine. At the highest levels, the most difficult skills require the gymnast to lose sight of the bars for a moment, such as a double front or back […]

Many consider the pommel horse to be one of the most difficult of the men’s gymnastics events. It requires enormous amount of practice to master even the most basic skills. Pommel horse routines consist of continuous circular movements interrupted only by the required scissor elements. The hands are the only part of the body that […]

Both a men’s and women’s event, gymnasts perform complicated vaults in different body positions, such as tucked, piked, or stretched. The best vaulters are explosive off the springboard, as well as when pushing off the table. Judges watch for proper body alignment, form, quick repulsion, the height and distance traveled, as well as the number […]

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 […]

Usually the most crowd-pleasing and spectacular of all the event, the horizontal bar consists of swings, release moves, and high-flying dismounts. During the routine, the gymnast must execute a series of continuous swings and turns and at lease one move in which the gymnast releases and re-grasps the bar. High-level gymnasts usually complete multiple release […]