The 7 Most Difficult Uneven Bars Elements (2022-2024 Code of Points)

In women’s artistic gymnastics, the uneven bars are the second event in the Olympic lineup. This apparatus is made of fiberglass with a wood coating, and the bars are set at different heights, letting the gymnast transition between them smoothly.

We’ll take a look at the 7 most difficult uneven bars elements, as detailed in the 2022-24 Code of Points, highlighting the technical skill needed to pull them off:

1. The Ray Dismount

A standout element on the uneven bars is the Ray Dismount, also known as the double double layout. This element, introduced by the talented American gymnast Elise Ray in the year 2000, has earned a G rating in the current code.

The dismount involves performing a double salto backward in a stretched (layout) position, coupled with two complete twists. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the movements involved:

• Initiation: The gymnast starts by swinging forward on the high bar to gain momentum. At the highest point of the swing, they let go of the bar and start a backward rotation.

• First Salto: In the first salto, the gymnast’s body stays straight and extended, showing great control and form. At the same time, they begin the first twist, which needs perfect timing and body awareness.

• Second Salto: The second backward salto comes right after the first. Here, the gymnast finishes the second twist. Keeping a tight, stretched position throughout is key to making sure both twists are done smoothly and cleanly.

• Landing: The dismount ends with a controlled landing on the mat. The gymnast must absorb the impact while staying balanced, avoiding any deductions for too much or too little rotation. The landing’s precision often decides the element’s success.

As of 2022, only a select few gymnasts have successfully performed this dismount in competition due to its high degree of difficulty.

2. The Full-Twisting Gienger

The full-twisting Ginger, also known as the Ginger with a full twist, is a high-level release skill, rated G in the 2022-24 Code of Points.

The Ginger release was originally performed without the twist by Kurt Thomas in the 1970s. Over time, variations such as the full twisting Ginger emerged, favoring gymnasts with explosive power and dynamic movement capabilities.

This element requires the gymnast to perform a backward stretched salto with a full twist before regrasping the bar. Here’s a detailed look at the execution:

• Approach: The gymnast starts by swinging on the high bar to build momentum. As they reach the highest point of their swing, they get ready to release the bar.

• Release and Rotation: At the peak of the swing, the gymnast lets go of the bar and begins a backward salto, performing a full 360-degree twist in the air. This part demands precise timing and control to complete the twist without disrupting the position or rotation.

• Body Position: Throughout the twist and salto, maintaining a stretched body position is essential. This not only demonstrates the gymnast’s technical skill but also helps control the movement, ensuring a clean and efficient execution.

• Regrasp: After completing the twist and salto, the gymnast must catch the bar again. This requires excellent spatial awareness and coordination to grasp the bar at the right moment, aligning their hands and body to absorb the momentum and smoothly continue their routine.

Despite its dramatic flair, this move comes with significant risks. An unfortunate example is German gymnast Elizabeth Seitz, who broke her nose after hitting the bar during training. Her incident underscores the dangers of attempting this skill.

3. The Piked Arabian Salto Mount

The most challenging mount in the code is the piked Arabian salto, which begins with a round-off in front of the low bar, followed by a piked Arabian salto over the low bar to hang on the high bar.

Rated G, this mount is particularly difficult as gymnasts must execute it without touching the low bar. Let’s break down the execution of this element:

• Approach and Round-off: The gymnast starts with a run-up to build momentum. As they approach the low bar, they execute a round-off, involving a half-turn and backward spring onto their hands. This sets them up for the next salto.

• Initiating the Piked Arabian Salto: Following the round-off, the gymnast launches into a piked Arabian salto. This combines a half-turn with a backward salto while maintaining a piked position, bending at the hips and keeping the legs straight, forming a sharp angle with their torso.

• Clearing the Low Bar: The gymnast must perform the piked Arabian salto with enough height and precision to clear the low bar without touching it. This is crucial, as contact with the low bar results in deductions and disrupts the routine’s flow.

• Catch on the High Bar: The final phase involves the gymnast reaching out to catch the high bar after completing the salto. This demands impeccable timing and coordination, allowing the gymnast to smoothly regrasp the bar and transition into the next part of their routine.

Despite its high rating, this element has fallen out of favor in recent years, with most gymnasts opting for simpler mounts to start their routines.

4. The Mo Salto

Named after Chinese gymnast Mo Huilan, the Mo salto is one of the riskiest elements on the uneven bars, carrying a “G” rating.

Mo Huilan introduced the Mo Salto during her competitive career in the 1990s. This skill involves a forward salto tucked over the high bar, transitioning into a hang position.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of this element:

• Approach and Swing: The gymnast starts from a backswing, gaining momentum to approach the high bar.

• Forward Salto: As they reach the peak of their swing, the gymnast initiates a forward salto. This involves tucking their body tightly to create the necessary rotation.

• Clearing the Bar: The challenge lies in clearing the high bar without making contact, which requires precise timing and spatial awareness. The gymnast must maintain a perfect balance between height and rotation speed.

• Transition to Hang: After the forward rotation, the gymnast extends their body and aims to catch the high bar, transitioning smoothly into a hang position. This final catch is crucial for the continuity of the routine and requires excellent grip strength and coordination.

While the Mo Salto is rarely seen in competitions today, its introduction by Mo Huilan remains a defining moment in gymnastics history.

5. The Black Release

Introduced by Canadian gymnast Ellie Black in September 2022, the Black release is the latest addition to the list of difficult uneven bars elements.

This “G” rated element involves a clear hip circle with a counter-pike over the high bar, followed by a half turn to hang in a mixed L grip. To receive full credit for this skill, the gymnast must initiate the half rotation before grasping the bar. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the skill:

• Initiation from a Clear Hip Circle: The gymnast begins with a clear hip circle, a common maneuver on the uneven bars. This involves circling the bar with straight arms, using momentum to build up speed and position for the next phase of the element.

• Counter-Pike Over the High Bar: After completing the hip circle, the gymnast transitions into a counter-pike, lifting their hips and legs over the high bar while keeping a pike position. This move requires precise timing and strong core muscles to get the right height and rotation.

• Half Turn to Mixed L Grip: During the counter-pike, the gymnast initiates a half turn before catching the bar. This turn needs to be done before grabbing the bar to get full credit for the skill. The gymnast then catches the bar in a mixed L grip, with one hand in a regular grip and the other in a reverse grip. This position is tough and needs a strong grip and excellent upper body control.

• Transition to Hang: The gymnast finishes the element by smoothly transitioning into a hang position on the high bar. This final catch must be done precisely to keep the momentum and flow into the next skills.

The element’s design allows for potential connections to other high-difficulty skills. This makes it a strategic choice for gymnasts looking to maximize their score potential.

6. The Triple Back Dismount

The Triple Back Dismount is a high-flying, high-risk maneuver that requires perfect execution and timing. With its G-rating in difficulty, this dismount involves executing three backward saltos in a tucked position before landing.

This element was pioneered by Mexican gymnast Brenda Magaña at the 2002 World Championships, where she left an indelible mark on the sport. Here’s a detailed look at the technical aspects of this element:

1. Initiation and Release: The gymnast begins with a strong swing on the high bar, building momentum. As they reach the peak of their forward swing, they release the bar and initiate the first backward salto. The initial release is critical as it sets the trajectory and height needed for the subsequent saltos.

2. First Salto: During the first salto, the gymnast tucks their body by bending at the hips and knees, keeping their arms wrapped around their shins. This tight tuck position is essential for generating the rotation speed required to complete all three saltos.

3. Second Salto: The gymnast continues to rotate through the second salto, maintaining a compact tuck position. Precision in timing and body control is crucial at this stage to ensure that the momentum and rotation are sustained.

4. Third Salto and Preparation for Landing: As the gymnast completes the third salto, they prepare for the landing by opening up slightly from the tuck position. This phase requires excellent spatial awareness to gauge the distance from the ground and adjust the body position accordingly.

5. Landing: The gymnast must land with precision, absorbing the impact through their legs and maintaining balance. The landing needs to be controlled to avoid deductions for over-rotation, under-rotation, or stepping out of bounds.

The high risk involved in executing a triple back has deterred many gymnasts, making it a rarity in competition over the past two decades.

7. The Derwael II

The Derwael II, named after Belgian gymnast Nina Derwael, made history by becoming the first-ever “H” rated skill on the uneven bars in 2021. However, it was subsequently downgraded to a “G” in the 2022-24 Code of Points.

This skill involves a piked sole circle backward with a counter-stretched layout position over the high bar, finishing with a half turn to hang in a mixed L grip.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the technical aspects of the Derwael II:

1. Initiation from a Pike Sole Circle: The element begins with a pike sole circle, where the gymnast swings around the bar with their legs in a pike position. This movement generates the necessary momentum for the subsequent phases of the skill.

2. Counter-Stretched Position: Following the pike sole circle, the gymnast transitions into a counter-stretched position. This involves extending the body while maintaining a controlled swing, setting up the trajectory for the release over the high bar.

3. Release and Layout Over the High Bar: The gymnast releases the bar and performs a layout over the high bar. This requires maintaining a straight body line, which is crucial for achieving the necessary height and distance to clear the bar without touching it.

4. Half Turn in the Air: As the gymnast reaches the peak of their layout, they initiate a half turn. This twist is executed mid-air, and the gymnast catches the bar in a mixed L grip (one hand over, one hand under). The timing and precision of this turn are critical to ensure a secure catch and seamless transition.

5. Transition to Mixed L Grip: The gymnast completes the element by transitioning into a mixed L grip, where one hand is in an overhand grip, and the other is in an underhand grip. This grip change is essential for maintaining control and stability as the gymnast prepares for the next movement in their routine.

Nina Derwael remains the only gymnast to have performed this element in competition, showcasing the advanced level of difficulty and precision required to execute this move successfully.

Conclusion

Each of these elements showcases the highest level of difficulty and creativity in uneven bars routines. What’s your favorite element from this list, and do you think any new moves will soon join these ranks?