The balance beam is one of the toughest events in gymnastics. At just 10 centimeters wide, even the smallest mistake can lead to a big deduction. In the 2025–2028 FIG Code of Points, a few beam skills stand out—not just because they’re difficult, but because they’re rare, risky, and jaw-dropping when performed well.
Let’s take a closer look at the hardest beam skills in today’s Code.
1. The EG (Arabian) Mount – G Value
The EG mount—often called the Arabian mount—is arguably the boldest way to begin a balance beam routine. It starts with a roundoff onto the springboard, followed by a backward jump with a half-twist into a forward tucked salto, landing directly on the beam.
What makes this skill so risky is the blind landing. The gymnast cannot spot the beam during the salto, which greatly increases the chance of a deep squat or even a fall. A squat landing alone can cost 0.5 in execution deductions.
Originally submitted by Tina Erceg (CRO) at the 2007 World Championships, it was first given an F rating before being upgraded to a G in 2013. Today, it remains tied as the most difficult recognized mount on beam.
2. Layout Full Mount – G Value
Sharing the G-rating spotlight is the Layout Full mount. This begins with a roundoff onto the springboard and finishes with a fully stretched back salto with a full twist, landing in a cross stand on the beam.
Few gymnasts dare to start a routine this way, and for good reason. It requires tremendous power and spatial awareness, yet is highly prone to form breaks. Many athletes struggle to maintain a true layout shape, often piking toward the end—deductions that range from 0.1 to 0.3 depending on body position.
Despite the risk, it’s one of the most spectacular and crowd-pleasing mounts in the sport.
3. Shishova 2 – G Value
The Shishova 2, named after Soviet gymnast Alina Shishova, is a back layout with a full twist performed on the beam itself—not as a mount or dismount. It’s considered the most difficult acrobatic element performed mid-routine.
Because of its complexity, the Shishova 2 is nearly always linked in combination, usually after a roundoff or two back handsprings. Dang Linlin (CHN) once attempted to connect it with a Corbett salto, an exceptionally gutsy move.
As with the Layout Full, gymnasts often unintentionally pike, which adds deductions. And given the beam’s narrow surface, even the slightest deviation can result in a fall.
4. Patterson Dismount – G Value
The Patterson dismount is an Arabian double front tuck—half twist into two forward saltos before landing. Introduced by Carly Patterson (USA) at the 2003 World Championships, it quickly became one of the most iconic beam dismounts.
This skill demands explosive height. Without it, gymnasts often land in a deep squat (up to 0.5 deduction). To speed up rotation, many separate their knees during the tuck—a technique called “cowboying”—which adds 0.1 to 0.3 deductions.
Factor in the blind landing, and the Patterson is one of the most nerve-wracking ways to finish a routine.
5. Full-Twisting Double Tuck Dismount – G Value
This powerhouse dismount dates back to 1980, when a 12-year-old Jung Wei (CHN) performed it. It consists of two back saltos in tuck position with a full twist.
Even decades later, it remains extremely difficult. Because tucked elements require hip and knee angles under 90°, there’s little room for error in takeoff. Common deductions include:
- Low chest on landing: up to 0.3
- Steps on landing: 0.1 (small) or 0.3 (large)
- Leg separation during rotation
Despite its history, the skill still intimidates even top athletes.
6. Full-In Double Pike – G Value
The Full-In Double Pike is a more advanced cousin of the full-twisting double tuck. Here, the gymnast performs two back saltos in a pike position with a full twist added. While it carries the same G rating, it is widely considered harder to execute cleanly due to stricter body form requirements.
Common deductions include:
- Leg separation: 0.1–0.3
- Flexed feet: 0.1
- Slightly bent knees: 0.1
- Low chest landing: up to 0.3
Because it’s a “deduction minefield,” it’s less popular than the tucked version, despite sharing the same value.
7. The Biles Dismount – H Value
Finally, the Biles Dismount stands alone as the most difficult beam skill ever recognized, rated H—the only one of its kind in the Code.
Introduced by Simone Biles (USA) at the 2019 World Championships, it’s a double back tuck with two full twists. That means two flips and two twists, all launched from a four-inch beam.
The rating sparked controversy. Many argued it should have been a J value, but FIG intentionally held it at H, citing safety concerns. Double saltos with twists carry high risk of neck injury, and the committee wanted to discourage widespread attempts.
Simone herself voiced frustration in an NBC interview:
“They keep asking for more difficulty… we give them more, and they don’t credit it.”
As of 2024, Biles is still the only gymnast to perform it—and with the capped rating, it may remain hers alone.
Quick Ranking Chart
| Rank | Skill Name | Type | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EG Mount (Arabian Mount) | Mount | Roundoff → ½ twist → Front tuck salto to stand on beam | G |
| 2 | Layout Full Mount | Mount | Roundoff → Back layout salto with full twist → stand on beam | G |
| 3 | Shishova 2 | Acro Element | Back layout salto with full twist performed on the beam | G |
| 4 | Patterson Dismount | Dismount | Arabian double front tuck salto (½ twist into two front flips) | G |
| 5 | Full-Twisting Double Tuck | Dismount | Double back tuck with a full twist | G |
| 6 | Full-In Double Pike | Dismount | Double back pike with a full twist | G |
| 7 | Biles Dismount (Double Double) | Dismount | Double back tuck with two full twists | H |
Final Thought
Beam is already the most unforgiving apparatus, but these skills push it to a whole new level. From bold mounts like the EG to death-defying dismounts like the Patterson and Biles, each element represents the outer edge of what’s possible on a four-inch surface.
Which skill is your favorite, and which one would you never dare to try?
