Level 2 is designed for beginner gymnasts who have mastered Level 1 skills and are ready to progress to slightly more challenging techniques. The goal of this level is to solidify basic movements while introducing new skills that require enhanced strength, coordination, and flexibility.
At Level 2, gymnasts work on skills for each apparatus—vault, bars, beam, and floor—using controlled movements to develop precision.
While it’s a pre-competitive level, Level 2 skills lay the groundwork for safe and effective progression through the sport, emphasizing body awareness, alignment, and focus.
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Level 2 Age Requirement
In USA Gymnastics’ Women’s Development Program, the minimum age requirement for Level 2 is 5 years old. This means a gymnast must be at least 5 years old before participating in any sanctioned competitions at this level.
While Level 2 is part of the developmental stages, some states may offer organized competitive programs for Levels 1-3. These levels can serve as non-competitive, achievement-oriented programs within a gym’s pre-team structure or as introductory competitive experiences.
For gymnasts to advance to higher levels, they must meet specific age and skill requirements. For example, to progress to Level 3, a gymnast must be at least 6 years old. These age requirements ensure that gymnasts develop the necessary physical and mental readiness for the challenges of each level.
Core Skills in Level 2 Gymnastics
The skills at this level are designed to help gymnasts develop a strong foundation. Emphasis is placed on form, technique, and body control rather than complex acrobatics.
Level 2 Gymnastics Skills On Floor
In Level 2 gymnastics, the floor routine typically includes a combination of acrobatic and dance elements, each contributing to the gymnast’s overall development. The following are the key skills commonly incorporated into a Level 2 floor routine:
1) Cartwheel: A fundamental skill where the gymnast moves sideways in a handstand position, leading with one hand and foot, and landing on the opposite foot. This skill enhances coordination and balance.
2) Handstand (held for 1 second): The gymnast kicks up into a vertical position, balancing on their hands with a straight body line, and holds the position for one second. This skill develops upper body strength and balance.
3) Backward Roll to Push-Up Position: Starting from a standing position, the gymnast performs a backward roll, transitioning smoothly into a push-up position. This skill improves body awareness and control.
4) Bridge Back Kick-Over: From a bridge position, the gymnast kicks one leg over to transition into a standing position. This skill enhances back flexibility and strength.
5) Split Leap with 60° Leg Separation: The gymnast performs a leap with legs splitting to a 60-degree angle in the air, emphasizing flexibility and grace.
6) 180° Heel Snap Turn in Passé: Standing on one foot with the other foot placed at the knee (passé position), the gymnast executes a 180-degree turn, focusing on balance and precision.
7) Split Jump with 60° Leg Separation: The gymnast jumps into the air, achieving a 60-degree leg separation in a split position, showcasing flexibility and coordination.
Routine Composition for Level 2 Floor Skills
In a Level 2 floor routine, gymnasts combine these skills to create a smooth, flowing sequence that demonstrates control, strength, and flexibility.
Floor routines usually last between 30–40 seconds and require gymnasts to connect movements without breaks, showing their ability to transition seamlessly from one skill to another.
Level 2 Gymnastics Bar Skills
In Level 2 gymnastics, bar routines are designed to build foundational strength, coordination, and confidence on the apparatus. The following skills are typically included in a Level 2 bar routine:
1) Pullover: The gymnast lifts their body up and over the bar to achieve a front support position. This skill develops upper body strength and introduces the gymnast to bar work.
2) Cast: From the front support position, the gymnast pushes their hips away from the bar, maintaining a straight body line. The cast is fundamental for building momentum and preparing for subsequent skills.
3) Back Hip Circle: Starting in front support, the gymnast performs a backward rotation around the bar, returning to the front support position. This skill enhances control and introduces circling movements.
4) Single Leg Cut: From front support, the gymnast swings one leg over the bar and returns to the starting position. This skill emphasizes coordination and balance.
5) Dismount (Underswing): The gymnast performs a controlled swing under the bar, releasing to a stable landing. This dismount requires tight body posture and control during flight.
Purpose of the Level 2 Bar Routine
The routine composition for Level 2 bar skills helps gymnasts develop strength, body awareness, and basic bar technique. This simple yet structured routine prepares young gymnasts for the demands of competitive bar routines as they progress.
Level 2 Gymnastics Beam Skills
In Level 2 gymnastics, the balance beam routine is designed to develop foundational skills, emphasizing balance, coordination, and body control. The following elements are typically included in a Level 2 beam routine:
1) Jump to Front Support Mount: The gymnast begins by jumping to a front support position on the beam, demonstrating upper body strength and control.
2) Single Leg V-Sit, Tuck Stand, Pike Stand, Single Leg Kick-Up to Stand: This sequence involves transitioning from a single leg V-sit to a tuck stand, then to a pike stand, and finally performing a single leg kick-up to a standing position, showcasing flexibility and balance.
3) Arabesque: The gymnast performs an arabesque, balancing on one leg with the other leg extended behind at a minimum of 30 degrees, highlighting balance and poise.
4) Forward and Backward Leg Swings: Executing controlled leg swings forward and backward helps develop coordination and prepares the gymnast for more advanced skills.
5) Pivot Turn: A 180-degree turn on the ball of the foot, emphasizing precision and balance.
6) Stretch Jump: A straight jump performed on the beam, focusing on maintaining body alignment and control during the jump and landing.
7) Cartwheel to Side Handstand Dismount: The routine concludes with a cartwheel leading into a side handstand dismount, requiring strength and coordination to execute safely.
These skills collectively aim to build a gymnast’s confidence and proficiency on the balance beam, laying the groundwork for more complex movements in higher levels.
Level 2 Gymnastics Vault Skills
In Level 2 gymnastics, the vault routine is simple and focuses on developing power, control, and proper body alignment.
Gymnasts use a vault mat stack or lower vault apparatus, practicing foundational skills that build the strength and coordination needed for more complex vaults at higher levels. The main skills performed in Level 2 vault include:
1) Straight Jump onto Mat Stack: Gymnasts perform a controlled run, leading to a straight jump off the springboard and landing on a mat stack. This exercise emphasizes proper takeoff, body alignment in the air, and a stable landing position.
2) Squat-on, Straight Jump Off: In this skill, gymnasts approach the mat stack, place their hands on it, perform a squat-on by bringing their feet up onto the mat stack, and finish with a straight jump off. This skill enhances coordination and prepares gymnasts for skills that involve transitions onto and off the apparatus.
3) Handstand Flat Back: A more advanced drill, the gymnast performs a handstand on the springboard, landing in a flat-back position on the mat stack. This move strengthens upper body and core muscles and helps gymnasts develop the body position necessary for future vaults that involve rotations.
Purpose and Benefits of Level 2 Vault Skills
The jump to handstand and fall to flat back vault skill in Level 2 serves as a stepping stone to more advanced vaulting skills by:
- Developing basic strength and alignment in the handstand position.
- Encouraging body awareness and control from approach to landing.
- Instilling confidence in handstand-based skills that are crucial for future gymnastics levels.
How To Do Gymnastics For Beginners At Home Level 2
Practicing gymnastics skills at home is a fantastic way to build strength, flexibility, and technique, even if you’re not in a gym. Next, we’ll cover three core gymnastics skills you can work on at home if you’re at Levels 2-3: the roundoff, the handstand bridge-up, and the back walkover.
These skills are a bit more advanced, so be sure to follow each step carefully, and have a spotter nearby if you’re just starting out.
Skill 1: The Roundoff
The roundoff is a foundational gymnastics skill that’s similar to a cartwheel but ends with both feet landing together, adding power to your movements. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the roundoff:
- Start with a Lunge Position
Begin by bending both knees and creating a lunge position, with one leg in front of you and the other stretched out behind. This position gives you the stability needed to initiate the roundoff. - Push Through the Back Leg
With a strong push, extend your back leg so it is nice and straight. Keep your arms raised, as they’ll help guide your momentum. - Shift Your Weight to Your Arms
As you move into the roundoff, transfer your weight onto your hands. As your body reaches an upside-down position, squeeze your legs tightly together at the top of the movement. - Land with Both Feet Together
Finally, bring your legs down simultaneously, aiming to land both feet at the same time. Snap your chest up quickly to finish with power and balance.
After mastering each step individually, practice connecting all the steps together into a smooth, controlled roundoff. This skill is essential for developing coordination and will serve as a basis for more advanced tumbling skills.
Skill 2: The Handstand Bridge-Up
A handstand bridge-up combines the elements of a handstand with a bridge, helping build strength in your arms, core, and legs. Follow these steps to practice this impressive skill:
- Begin in a Lunge Position
Start by bending both legs and entering a lunge position, similar to the setup for the roundoff. This prepares your body to shift weight effectively. - Extend Your Back Leg
Push through your back leg so it’s straight, helping propel your body into the handstand position. - Push Into a Handstand
Use your momentum to push into a handstand. Keep your legs squeezed together as you move through the upside-down phase. Balance is key here, so focus on engaging your core. - Transition to a Bridge Position
Once in the handstand, allow your legs to separate and gradually fall into the bridge position. Keep your arms strong and straight as you lower down, supporting yourself in the bridge. - Stand Up From the Bridge
Finally, push through your legs and lift your chest to the sky to return to a standing position. Focus on keeping your eyes on your hands as you move out of the bridge. This helps with balance and keeps your form tight.
The handstand bridge-up combines strength and flexibility, so take your time mastering each phase before moving on to a complete flow.
Skill 3: The Back Walkover
The back walkover is a graceful yet challenging move that requires coordination and flexibility. It’s similar to a backbend, but it transitions into a standing position with a fluid motion. Here’s how to break it down:
- Begin in a Standing Position
Stand with your legs slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Keep your arms straight and by your ears, as they’ll guide you into the back walkover. - Bend and Fall Back into a Bridge Position
Keeping your arms by your ears and eyes focused on your hands, allow your knees to bend slightly as you lean back into a bridge. This can be challenging, so have someone spot you if needed. - Lift One Leg Toward the Sky
Once in the bridge, lift one leg straight up toward the sky. This will help create a split position and initiate the walkover motion. - Push With the Opposite Leg
Push with your grounded leg to transition your body weight, moving through the split position as you lift your leg over. This creates the “walkover” motion and requires strength in your core and legs. - Land and Stand Up
As you bring your first leg down, the other leg will naturally follow. Bring your chest up, engaging your core to help you stand up smoothly. Finish with a strong, confident stance.
The back walkover is an elegant move that builds on foundational gymnastics skills. Practicing it will improve your flexibility, control, and poise.
Tips for Practicing at Home
- Safety First: Always practice these skills on a soft surface like a mat or carpeted floor. Having a spotter, especially when learning new skills, can help prevent injuries.
- Focus on Form: Proper form is crucial for each skill. Avoid rushing through the movements; instead, focus on keeping your body aligned and controlled.
- Stay Consistent: Building strength, flexibility, and coordination takes time. Practice these skills regularly to develop muscle memory and improve your performance.
Final Words of Encouragement
Gymnastics is a rewarding sport that builds confidence, discipline, and body awareness. Remember, improvement comes with consistent effort, so keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the journey. With dedication, you’ll be amazed at the progress you can make at home.
Happy practicing!
