Complete Guide to Gymnastics Beam Routines: Levels 1-5

In gymnastics, beam routines are key elements in the artistic gymnastics competition. Each level from 1 to 5 has specific requirements for the skills gymnasts need to perform. Here is a guide to understanding the basic structure and elements of the beam routines for each level.

Level 1 Beam Routine

The Level 1 balance beam routine is one of the first compulsory routines gymnasts encounter as they start their journey in the sport. At this level, the routine is designed to develop fundamental skills such as balance, posture, and coordination, while introducing gymnasts to performing on a balance beam.

Key Elements of the Level 1 Beam Routine

The Level 1 beam routine consists of basic skills, including a mount, various body positions (like the tuck sit and relevé), jumps, leg swings, and an introductory dismount. Each movement is designed to teach young gymnasts proper technique, alignment, and body awareness on the narrow surface of the beam.

1. Starting the Routine: Salute and Mount

• Salute: The routine begins with the gymnast saluting the judges and audience. A salute is a simple yet graceful gesture that shows readiness and respect.
• Mount – Jump to Front Support: The gymnast jumps onto the beam, landing in a front support position close to one end of the beam. This involves swinging the dominant leg over the beam and sitting in a straddle position, with the legs tight and arms raised to a crown position.

From this straddle sit, the gymnast:

• Tuck Sit Transition: Brings their legs together into a tuck position, with the dominant leg lifting first. They return to the beam in a squat with arms in a crown.

2. Key Body Positions and Movements

• Lever Position: From the tuck sit, the gymnast places their foot flat on the beam, preparing for a lever position. The hips should be squared to the beam (not open), ensuring proper alignment. This is followed by pushing off the beam to return to the tuck squat.
• Relevé: The gymnast rises into a relevé, standing on their toes with arms in a crown. Relevé helps develop balance and core strength.

The gymnast then steps forward into the next phase of the routine:

• Step to Flat Foot: The gymnast steps onto their dominant leg, extending it forward. In this position, they place their hands on their hips in a clear and controlled movement.

3. Introducing Basic Poses and Jumps

• Posé (Piqué): From the flat-footed position, the gymnast lifts their knee to hip level, keeping the toe pointed and the hips aligned with the beam.
• Stretch Jump: With arms raised, the gymnast performs a stretch jump, extending off the beam with pointed toes. Upon landing, they return to relevé with a soft crown position, maintaining control of their posture.

4. Arabesque and Leg Swings

• Arabesque Position: After the stretch jump, the gymnast moves into an arabesque, where the non-dominant leg is extended behind them while the arms are in a “T” position. The gymnast taps the beam with the back leg as they perform this balanced pose.
• Leg Swings: The routine also introduces basic leg swings, which are key to developing leaps in future levels. The gymnast performs a controlled swing with the dominant and non-dominant legs in succession.

5. Preparing for the Dismount

After completing the leg swings, the gymnast transitions into the choreography before the dismount:

• Lock Position: The gymnast steps onto the beam with their dominant leg in front, bringing their arms up high and locking the back leg behind.
• Step Back and Push: The gymnast steps back with the dominant leg, going into a relevé with the front foot and pushing forward with gentle, fluid arm movements.

6. Dismount: Side Handstand

• Kneeling Position: The gymnast finishes by stepping back and pointing their dominant leg out in front. They lower into a kneeling position, preparing for the side handstand dismount.
• Side Handstand Dismount: This beginner-level dismount involves a handstand off the side of the beam, showcasing the gymnast’s control and balance as they complete the routine.

Tips for Mastering the Routine

• Focus on Alignment: In each position—especially in the lever, arabesque, and relevé—correct alignment of the hips, shoulders, and feet is crucial to maintaining balance on the beam.
• Controlled Movements: Movements should be performed with deliberate control to demonstrate stability and grace. Sudden or jerky actions can throw off balance and affect performance.
• Practice Transitions: Smooth transitions between movements, such as from the tuck sit to relevé or from the stretch jump to arabesque, are key to making the routine flow seamlessly.

Level 2 Beam Routine

The Level 2 balance beam routine introduces young gymnasts to fundamental skills that build the foundation for higher levels. This routine focuses on precision, balance, and clean form.

1. The Mount: Jump to Front Support

The routine begins with a jump to front support, similar to the mount on the bars.

Key Points:

• Gymnasts should maintain flat hips, round shoulders, and pointed toes.
• After swinging their dominant (happy) leg over the beam, ensure the toes are pointed and the legs are tight. Encourage gymnasts to apply pressure through the beam to keep the leg straight as it swings over.

2. Fish Pose and Push to Crown

After the legs swing over, the gymnast transitions into a fish pose by pushing through the front of the ankles and pointing the toes on the beam.

Execution Tips:

• Ensure the legs remain straight while holding the fish pose.
• The gymnast lifts the happy leg and checks that their knees are together, adjusting if necessary. The gymnast should push through the front of the ankle to maintain the proper foot position.

From the fish pose, the gymnast steps onto the non-dominant foot and rises into a crown position. Both legs should be straight with the heels flat on the beam.

3. Passe and Relevé

Next, the gymnast steps forward on their dominant leg into a passe position. The non-dominant leg should be lifted, with the knee aligned with the hips, forming a high passé.

Passe Tips:

• Encourage the gymnast to think about pushing through the back of the foot, transferring the pressure to the toes as they rise into a relevé.
• The focus should be on maintaining good posture and balance throughout the passé.

4. Plie, Relevé, and Stretch Jump

The gymnast transitions into a plie and relevé sequence. This section prepares the athlete for future jumps by focusing on the correct positioning of the feet and legs.

Key Points:

• The plie should engage both legs, creating a straight line from the shoulders to the back heel.
• After the relevé, the gymnast performs a stretch jump, maintaining clean lines and pointed toes.

5. Fossee Pose and Arabesque

Following the stretch jump, the gymnast moves into a fossee pose, a sharp movement where the chin remains neutral, and the gymnast transitions smoothly to a tap of the foot behind.

Tips for the Arabesque:

• From the pose, the gymnast performs an arabesque tap, keeping the back leg straight and engaging the glutes. This prepares the gymnast for future leaps, mimicking a leap form.

6. Snap Step Sequence

The gymnast performs a snap step sequence, keeping the arms in a “T” position as they snap the feet together in a rhythmic manner.

Tips for the Snap Step:

• Keep the chest lifted throughout the sequence, preventing the gymnast from dropping their chest as they step.
• This sequence prepares the gymnast for future beam elements that require precise foot placement and balance.

7. Pivot Turn and Step Back Pose

The gymnast transitions into a pivot turn, where all weight should be placed on the back foot for stability.

Key Points for the Pivot Turn:

• Encourage the gymnast to pull their thighs together during the turn to maintain stability.
• As the gymnast steps back after the turn, they enter a pose where the feet are placed in a forced arch position.

8. Soft Arm Movements and Dismount Prep

After the pivot turn, the gymnast performs soft arm movements to prepare for the dismount. They interlock the fingers to create a soft, sweeping motion, focusing on clean lines and a gentle push forward.

Key Points for the Arm Movements:

• Maintain a straight line from elbow to elbow, keeping the arms close to the body for balance.

9. Side Handstand Dismount

The routine finishes with a side handstand dismount. The gymnast enters the dismount by performing a lunge or mountain climber position before transitioning into the handstand.

Dismount Tips:

• Ensure that the gymnast reaches vertical in the side handstand before stepping down.
• The handstand should be clean and controlled, with a focus on balance and a smooth landing.

Level 3 Beam Routine

The Level 3 balance beam routine marks a significant step up in both complexity and precision for gymnasts. Designed for athletes who are building strength, control, and coordination, this routine introduces more advanced elements like handstands and pivot turns.

1. The Mount: Jump to Front Support

The routine begins with a jump to front support on the beam. The gymnast should aim for a straight body position with arms extended and the non-dominant leg lifting to the bottom.

Key Points:

• Knees should stay together, and toes should remain pointed during the jump.
• The middle part of the foot is placed on the beam as the gymnast sits down into a crown position with their dominant leg extended in front.

2. Supple Arm Movement and Sit

From the initial seated position, the gymnast performs a supple arm movement, where the arms softly extend and push forward. This is a controlled motion that leads into a full sit on the beam, with the gymnast lowering onto their dominant heel.

Tips for the Supple Arm Movement:

• The focus should be on smooth, flowing motions. Gymnasts should avoid sharp or stiff movements in this part of the routine.
• The non-dominant leg hangs down, pointed toward the floor, while the gymnast looks down toward the hands.

3. Swooping Arms to Press Back V

After the gymnast is seated, the arms move from a “T” position, down and then swoop up into a press back V position. The gymnast should keep the chin lifted slightly and eyes focused down the beam.

Leg Swing and Tap:

• From this position, the gymnast swings their dominant leg forward in a controlled leg lift. This is not a kick but a soft lift of the leg.
• The gymnast performs two quick tap movements with the dominant leg, maintaining a straight line with both legs and arms in a “T.”

4. Handstand

One of the key skills introduced in Level 3 is the handstand. The gymnast enters the handstand either from a lunge or a mountain climber position. The handstand should be held momentarily with the body reaching vertical alignment before the gymnast steps down together into a finishing pose.

Handstand Tips:

• Focus on pushing through the shoulders to maintain a straight line.
• The gymnast does not need to hold the handstand for an extended period but should demonstrate control and vertical alignment.

5. Back Lunge and Plie

After completing the handstand, the gymnast performs a back lunge, bringing the non-dominant leg forward into a plie position. The gymnast’s arms cross over each other, and the non-dominant hand rests on the hip while the dominant arm pushes out to the side.

Relevé Lock Stand:

• The gymnast rises into a relevé lock stand (standing on the balls of the feet), with the legs locked together.
• This section of the routine focuses on control and balance as the gymnast prepares for the next turn.

6. Heel Snap Turn

The heel snap turn is another challenging element in the Level 3 routine. The gymnast’s heel presses into the beam to initiate the turn while the arms move into a rounded frame, resembling the shape of holding a beach ball.

Tips for the Heel Snap Turn:

• Ensure the gymnast keeps the knee parallel to the beam during the turn to maintain proper form.
• The gymnast should focus on keeping the body upright throughout the turn, avoiding any tilting or loss of balance.

7. Stretch Jumps

The next part of the routine introduces two stretch jumps, each preceded by a plie. The gymnast bends the knees slightly before jumping, extending the legs and pointing the toes during the jump.

Arm Path for Stretch Jumps:

• The arms lift in a smooth, controlled motion during the jump and land in a crown position.
• After the second jump, the gymnast moves into a fosse pose, where the dominant hand is placed on top of the non-dominant hand, and the fingers are spread apart in a slight “jazz hand” formation.

8. Leap Pass

From the fosse pose, the gymnast steps forward into a leap pass. The leap is initiated from a deep plie through the non-dominant leg, and the arms extend to the sides in a “T” position during the leap.

Key Points for the Leap:

• After landing the leap, the gymnast performs a small plie, immediately transitioning into a relevé hold to prepare for the next pivot movement.

9. Pivot Turn

Following the leap, the gymnast enters a pivot turn, which mimics the motion of a full turn in higher-level routines. The pivot is performed while maintaining a high relevé, with the upper body mimicking the motion of a full turn even though the feet remain grounded.

Tips for the Pivot Turn:

• The gymnast should keep the weight on the back foot during the pivot to avoid wobbling.
• The arms should stay in a rounded, controlled frame throughout the pivot.

10. Ending Pose and Dismount

The routine finishes with a graceful ending sequence. The gymnast steps back, transitioning into a series of poses while maintaining a forced arch (a position where the front ankle is straight). The arms move softly, first pushing forward and then interlocking in a straight line, before the gymnast prepares for the dismount.

Side Handstand Dismount:

• The gymnast completes the routine with a side handstand dismount, either entering from a mountain climber position or a lunge. The goal is to reach vertical in the handstand before turning off the side of the beam and landing cleanly.

Level 4 Beam Routine

The Level 4 beam routine introduces a combination of acrobatic skills, dance elements, and precise movements, all performed on a narrow, elevated beam. Gymnasts at this level are building on foundational beam skills, emphasizing proper form, control, and consistency.

1. Handstand Requirement

One of the critical elements of the Level 4 beam routine is the cross handstand, which must be held for the routine to count. The handstand needs to reach vertical and show control before the gymnast steps down.

Key Points for the Handstand:

• Gymnasts must reach a full vertical position and hold it.
• Keep the ears covered by the arms, with shoulders pushed tall to avoid any arching in the back.
• Practice handstand shaping drills on laser beams or with handstand holds against a wedge to strengthen control.

2. Cartwheel and Turns

The cartwheel in the Level 4 beam routine is executed with precise leg positioning and control. The gymnast needs to focus on keeping the hips flat and maintaining proper form as they lever into the skill.

Tips for the Cartwheel:

• Flat hips are essential to avoid piking during the cartwheel. The back leg should lift high as the gymnast enters the skill, and the hands should reach for the beam in a smooth motion.
• In a side cartwheel, focusing on keeping the body aligned through vertical is critical to building control for later acro connections.

The half-turn to passé is another crucial component, emphasizing balance and smooth transitions. Gymnasts must hold the passé position with control and without wobbles.

Turn Tips:

• Use the hip hand technique, where the non-dominant hand guides the turn while the dominant leg is in a high passé.
• Focus on keeping the body tall and balanced during the turn to avoid any deductions for wobbles or poor form.

3. Split Jump and Leaps

The split jump in the Level 4 beam routine requires gymnasts to achieve a split angle of 120 degrees. This element tests the gymnast’s power and flexibility, and it is important for setting up future skills like leaps and jumps.

Split Jump Tips:

• Gymnasts should focus on getting height before they split, ensuring the legs reach the 120-degree requirement.
• Arms move into a “T” position, and the gymnast should aim for a strong push off the beam to achieve height and full extension in the legs.

4. Acro Skills: Side Handstand and Tuck Sit

The side handstand dismount is a signature move in the Level 4 beam routine, where the gymnast performs a handstand sideways on the beam before dismounting.

Side Handstand Tips:

• Gymnasts should focus on squeezing the core and lifting the back leg high to reach a vertical position.
• For a smooth dismount, gymnasts need to keep their hips square and avoid piking. The dismount should be executed with control, ensuring a clean finish.

The tuck sit is another important acro skill that gymnasts must execute with precision. The gymnast sits in a tuck position on the beam with the arms extended in a crown position.

Tuck Sit Tips:

• Ensure that the knees are together and the toes are pointed while holding the tuck sit.
• Gymnasts should transition smoothly out of the tuck sit into the next element of the routine, maintaining control and balance throughout.

5. Dismount

The dismount for the Level 4 beam routine is a side handstand that finishes with a controlled step-off. The gymnast must demonstrate control in the handstand, reaching vertical before stepping down.

Key Points for the Dismount:

• The gymnast should reach full vertical in the handstand, with the body in a straight line.
• As they dismount, they should ensure that the landing is controlled, avoiding any unnecessary movements or hops upon landing.

6. Emphasizing Drama and Presentation

Throughout the routine, gymnasts are encouraged to incorporate dramatic poses and show personality. Movements should be fluid and expressive, adding style to the routine while maintaining precision in the skills.

Tips for Presentation:

• Focus on arm movements that are sharp and deliberate, transitioning smoothly between poses and acro elements.
• Keeping the chin lifted and the eyes focused on the beam adds an element of grace and confidence to the routine.

Level 5 Beam Routine

The Level 5 balance beam routine marks a significant advancement in a gymnast’s development, incorporating complex skills like back handsprings, full turns, and a back tuck dismount.

1. The Mount: Jump to Front Support

The Level 5 beam routine begins with a jump to front support, a crucial skill that requires body control from the start. Here’s how to execute the mount:

• Jump and Fish Pose: The gymnast jumps to front support on the beam, with straight arms and legs. The non-dominant leg is lifted into a “fish pose,” keeping the knees close together and the foot pulled toward the bottom.
• Arch of the Foot and Push Through: The arch of the non-dominant foot is placed on the beam as the gymnast looks at it. From here, the dominant leg pulls through, and the arms move up into a crown position. The gymnast’s body should remain tight, with eyes forward for focus.

Arm Positioning and Hand Turn

As the gymnast pushes down the beam, the hands turn into a butterfly position—palms down with the thumbs pointing along the beam. This helps in maintaining stability. The hands come together in the butterfly position while the gymnast turns onto the dominant knee, sitting on the heel, with the non-dominant leg extended straight.

2. Crown, T-Position, and Pose Sequence

Once mounted and seated, the gymnast performs the following steps:

• T-Position and Stand: The arms open into a “T” position, and the gymnast stands up, keeping the non-dominant leg in front and the back leg (dominant leg) straight and pointed.
• Soft Arm Pose: The dominant hand goes to the hip while the non-dominant arm passes through the crown and pushes backward, with the body in a sideways pose. This graceful movement sets the tone for the artistry required in the routine.

3. Straight Leg Kick, Tap, and Acro Series

The next part of the routine focuses on balance and acrobatics:

• Straight Leg Kick: The gymnast performs a straight-leg kick with the dominant leg while keeping the base (supporting) leg in a plié. This is followed by a “tap, tap” with the leg to maintain the rhythm and form.
• Acro Series: Depending on the gymnast’s skill set, the acro element may be a back handspring, back walkover, or front walkover. After completing the acro skill, the gymnast lands and finishes in a clean, controlled position.

4. Turn Sequence and Lock Stand

The routine continues with graceful arm movements and a full turn:

• Arm Cross and Passe: The gymnast crosses their arms and pulls the leg into a passe position, with the dominant hand on the hip. The movement transitions smoothly into a soft arm push-back and a lock stand in relevé (on the toes).
• Full Turn: The gymnast then performs a full turn, ensuring smooth rotation and balance. After completing the turn, the gymnast steps into a locked position with the arms behind the back, preparing for the next sequence.

5. Scale, Passe, and Jumps

Balance and flexibility are showcased in the scale and jump sequences:

• Scale with Opposition Arms: The gymnast moves into a scale position, with the non-dominant leg lifted behind them and the opposite arm in front for balance. The base leg remains in a plié, creating a strong, stable foundation.
• Passe and Dip: From the scale, the gymnast steps into a passe position, then dips the leg down while keeping the arms in a crown. The gymnast hovers the leg over the beam without touching it, maintaining control.
• Jumps: The gymnast performs a split jump and sissone (a jump that lands on one foot), demonstrating amplitude and form. The jumps are followed by a soft finish with the arms extended in a “V” shape.

6. Fossee Pose and Leap Sequence

The fossee pose adds an artistic flair to the routine:

• Fossee Pose: The gymnast lowers into a fossee pose, with the non-dominant hand on the hip and the dominant hand extending out to the side. This movement should be sharp and controlled.
• Scale to Leap: From the pose, the gymnast drops into a scale position, holding the leg above horizontal for two counts before transitioning directly into the leap pass. The leap is followed by a quick stretch jump, showing height and extension.

7. Finishing Pose and Cartwheel Sequence

The final portion of the routine emphasizes precision and clean landings:

• Stretch Jump Finish: After completing the leap and stretch jump, the gymnast lands with arms in a crown position, finishing in a sharp “V.”
• Step Back Pose: The gymnast steps back with the dominant leg, moving into a forced arch position, and continues the pose sequence, showing clean and fluid transitions.
• Cartwheel and Stretch Jump: The gymnast performs a cartwheel, ensuring that the second hand turns in to face the first hand for better control. They land the cartwheel with the non-dominant leg in front and complete the sequence with another stretch jump.

8. Dismount: Back Tuck

The final dismount is one of the most challenging parts of the routine:

• Dismount Setup: After the cartwheel and stretch jump, the gymnast steps to the end of the beam, preparing for the back tuck dismount.
• Back Tuck Dismount: The gymnast slices their arm across the face and performs a back tuck off the end of the beam, landing in a controlled and precise manner. This powerful dismount ends the routine on a high note.

Tips for Mastering the Level 5 Beam Routine

1. Focus on Fluidity: The transitions between elements should be seamless and graceful. Work on keeping the arm and leg movements connected without losing balance.
2. Control in Acro Elements: For skills like the back handspring or walkover, maintaining control during the landing is key to minimizing deductions.
3. Master the Dismount: The back tuck dismount requires strength and precision. Practice achieving proper height and rotation to land cleanly without falling.

By following these detailed steps, gymnasts can break down the routine into manageable components, making it easier to focus on each skill and improve their overall performance on the balance beam.