To understand what compulsory routines in gymnastics are, let’s first explore the basics of compulsory gymnastics.
What is Compulsory Gymnastics?
In the United States, the Junior Olympic (JO) Program, governed by USA Gymnastics, is divided into ten levels. Levels 1 through 5 are designated as compulsory, while Levels 6 through 10 are optional.
Compulsory gymnastics is the starting point for most gymnasts in their competitive careers. It’s a system where gymnasts perform the same set of routines with predetermined skills at each level.
What sets compulsory gymnastics apart from other levels is that gymnasts don’t get to choose their skills. Instead, they follow a set of required elements, all designed to develop essential technical abilities that will help them as they progress. As gymnasts move through the levels, the routines get more challenging, incorporating more complex moves and refining their overall technique.
Basic Skills and Requirements at Each Level
In the early levels of compulsory gymnastics, the routines are designed to build a solid foundation of fundamental skills. The elements at each level gradually increase in difficulty, ensuring that gymnasts are ready for more complex moves as they advance.
- Level 1: Gymnasts begin with basic skills like forward rolls, cartwheels, and simple jumps. The focus is on learning body control and form.
- Level 2: At this stage, gymnasts add acrobatic elements like back and front rolls, simple handstands, and more refined technique on the balance beam.
- Level 3: Gymnasts start to develop strength and flexibility, incorporating back handsprings, front handsprings, and more complex bar skills like kips and casts.
- Level 4: The routines become more challenging with skills such as back handsprings, round-offs, and back hip circles on bars. Gymnasts work on smoother transitions and executing skills with precision.
- Level 5: At this stage, gymnasts perform advanced skills like release moves on bars, aerials on the beam, and more complex tumbling passes, demonstrating strong technique and form.
What Are Compulsory Routines in Gymnastics?
Now that gymnasts have mastered the required skills at each level, it’s time for them to perform what are called compulsory routines. These routines are standardized, meaning every gymnast at a given level performs the same sequence of movements, regardless of age or experience. The purpose is to refine technique and ensure that gymnasts have mastered the basics before moving on to more advanced routines.
The key idea behind compulsory routines is to make sure that all gymnasts are developing similar skills at the same pace. These routines help them perfect their execution, allowing them to move forward with confidence.
Required Elements for Each Apparatus
Now, let’s break down what gymnasts need to do on each apparatus in compulsory gymnastics:
1. Vault
Vaults are one of the most exciting parts of gymnastics. In compulsory routines, the gymnast sprints down a runway, uses a springboard, and jumps over the vaulting table before landing.
At the lower levels, vaults are simpler (like handspring vaults) and focus on controlled landings and clean execution. As gymnasts advance, the vaults become more challenging, with added twists and somersaults.
- Level 1-2: Handspring vaults, focusing on form and control.
- Level 3-4: Handspring vaults with more power and half twists.
- Level 5: Vaults with full twists, requiring skill and precision.
2. Uneven Bars
Uneven bars require upper body strength and timing. Gymnasts swing, transition between bars, and perform controlled elements.
At the lower levels, routines start with basic swings, kips, and casts. As gymnasts progress, they incorporate more complex elements like clear hips and release moves.
- Level 1-2: Basic swings and kips to build strength.
- Level 3-4: Casts to handstand and clear hips.
- Level 5: Release moves and handstands for a fluid routine.
3. Balance Beam
The balance beam tests balance, flexibility, and strength. Gymnasts must execute movements like mounts, dismounts, jumps, and poses with precision. As the levels progress, more complex moves like back handsprings, aerials, and leaps are added.
- Level 1-2: Basic balance with simple poses and dismounts.
- Level 3-4: Leaps, back handsprings, and basic acrobatic elements.
- Level 5: Advanced elements like aerials and back handsprings.
4. Floor Exercise
Floor routines combine tumbling and dance, requiring strength, flexibility, and coordination. Gymnasts perform tumbling passes, jumps, and leaps, with an emphasis on smooth transitions. As gymnasts progress, the tumbling passes and leaps become more complex.
- Level 1-2: Basic tumbling and simple jumps.
- Level 3-4: Back handsprings and more complex tumbling sequences.
- Level 5: Multiple flips, twists, and advanced tumbling passes.
Scoring in Compulsory Routines
In compulsory routines, judges score based on how accurately the gymnast performs each required element.
They look for clean, controlled movements, proper form, and adherence to the prescribed technique. Deductions are made for mistakes like wobbles, falls, or incorrect body positioning.
The goal is for gymnasts to perform each element flawlessly, maximizing their score through precision and technique.
Transition to Optional Routines
Once gymnasts have mastered compulsory routines, they move on to optional routines, usually starting at Level 6.
This transition is important because it allows gymnasts to begin choosing their own elements and choreography. In optional routines, gymnasts can select skills that showcase their strengths and creativity, making their routines more personal and unique.
Unlike compulsory routines, which focus on mastering basic skills and techniques, optional routines allow gymnasts to express their individuality, incorporating more difficult skills like flips, twists, and creative choreography.
Key Differences Between Compulsory and Optional Routines
- Choice of Skills: In compulsory gymnastics, the skills are predetermined. In optional routines, gymnasts can choose their own elements.
- Creativity: Optional routines give gymnasts more freedom to express their style through choreography, music, and unique skills.
- Difficulty: Optional routines involve more advanced skills that challenge the gymnast’s strength, flexibility, and technique.
The transition to optional routines marks a major milestone in a gymnast’s career. By the time they reach this stage, they have already developed a strong foundation in compulsory routines and are ready to showcase their unique abilities.
Conclusion
Compulsory gymnastics is a crucial starting point for every gymnast’s career. It builds the necessary discipline, technique, and precision that serve as the foundation for more advanced routines.
As gymnasts progress from compulsory to optional routines, they have the chance to express their creativity and tackle more challenging skills, taking their gymnastics journey to new heights.
