Gymnastics floor routines for Levels 1-5 represent the foundational stages of a gymnast’s journey within the USA Gymnastics (USAG) Development Program.
They start with basic movements in Level 1 and move on to more complex routines by Level 5. This progression helps gymnasts build a strong foundation and gain the skills needed for success at higher levels.
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Level 1 Gymnastics Floor Routine
For Level 1, there is no strict minimum age requirement, but gymnasts typically start around 4-5 years old. This level focuses on basic skills and is often used to introduce young children to the fundamentals of gymnastics.
Level 1 floor routines focus on introducing fundamental gymnastic skills in a fun and engaging way. The key elements include forward and backward rolls, cartwheels, and candlesticks. The choreography emphasizes basic movements and smooth transitions between skills, helping gymnasts develop coordination and control.
Routines at this level are non-competitive and are aimed at building confidence and basic body awareness in young athletes
Key Elements of the Floor Routine
The Level 1 floor routine includes basic skills essential for young gymnasts’ development. Here’s what you’ll find in a typical routine:
1. Forward Roll
A forward roll is one of the first tumbling skills taught in gymnastics. The gymnast begins in a standing position, squats down, places their hands on the floor, and rolls forward, tucking their head and maintaining a rounded back. This skill helps in developing spatial awareness and coordination.
2. Backward Roll
Similar to the forward roll but performed in reverse, the backward roll requires the gymnast to roll back over their shoulders, pushing off with their hands to return to a standing position. This skill helps in enhancing upper body strength and control.
3. Cartwheel
A cartwheel involves the gymnast placing their hands on the ground one after the other and kicking their legs over in a sideways motion, landing on their feet in a lunge position. This skill is fundamental for developing balance and the ability to perform lateral movements.
4. Candlestick
The candlestick position involves the gymnast rolling back onto their shoulders, lifting their legs straight up to form a vertical line with their body. This exercise helps in building core strength and maintaining body alignment.
5. Stretch Jump
A stretch jump is a simple vertical jump where the gymnast maintains a straight body with arms overhead. This move emphasizes proper form, balance, and the ability to control body movements in the air.
6. Forward Passe Balance
In this skill, the gymnast stands on one leg while lifting the other leg to the side or front, maintaining a balanced position. This helps in developing balance and the strength needed for more complex skills in higher levels.
7. 3/4 Handstand
The gymnast performs a handstand with their legs reaching a vertical position before coming down. It emphasizes the importance of body control and arm strength.
8. Forward Chasse
A forward chasse is a skipping motion where the gymnast steps forward, brings their feet together, and steps out again. This skill helps in developing rhythm and coordination.
Common Deductions:
- Bent Arms or Legs (0.10 – 0.30): Maintaining straight limbs is crucial for proper form.
- Incomplete Skills (0.10 – 0.50): Not holding the handstand or failing to complete the roll fully can lead to deductions.
- Balance Issues (0.10 – 0.20): Wobbling during balances or transitions.
- Form Errors (0.10 – 0.30): Incorrect body alignment or foot positions.
- Execution Errors (0.10 – 0.20): Poor transitions between skills or incorrect technique in fundamental movements.
Level 2 Gymnastics Floor Routine
In Level 2, gymnasts must be at least 5 years old to participate in competitions. This level is designed for young gymnasts, typically aged 5-7 years, who are building on the foundational skills acquired in Level 1.
In Level 2, routines build on the basics learned in Level 1 by introducing more complex elements like cartwheel step-ins, handstands, and split jumps. The focus shifts towards fluid transitions and basic dance elements like chassés and leaps.
The routines help gymnasts develop better rhythm and flexibility while encouraging them to perform with more precision and control. This level also starts integrating movements into simple music, preparing gymnasts for the artistic demands of higher levels.
Skills Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key skills involved in the Level 2 floor routine:
1. Cartwheel Step-In
The gymnast performs a cartwheel and lands with one leg stepping forward into a lunge position. This skill emphasizes coordination and balance.
The gymnast must ensure that the hands are placed correctly, and the legs remain straight throughout the movement.
2. Handstand (1-second hold)
The handstand is a fundamental skill that tests the gymnast’s strength and balance. At Level 2, the gymnast must kick up into a handstand and hold the position for one second. The body should remain straight, and the arms must stay in line with the ears.
Deductions are made for bent arms, legs not closing at vertical, and failure to hold the handstand.
3. Backward Roll to Push-Up Position
The gymnast performs a backward roll that transitions into a push-up position. This requires strong arm and core muscles, as the gymnast must push up with straight arms and maintain a flat body alignment. Common errors include bent arms and failure to achieve a proper push-up position.
4. Bridge Kick-Over
Starting from a bridge position, the gymnast kicks one leg over to return to a standing position. This skill requires significant flexibility and shoulder strength.
The gymnast must ensure that the arms and legs remain straight and the body moves smoothly from the bridge to the standing position.
5. Split Leap (60° leg separation)
In the split leap, the gymnast takes off from one foot and leaps into the air, achieving a split position with a 60-degree leg separation. This move highlights flexibility and control.
The gymnast must focus on maintaining straight legs and achieving the required angle to avoid deductions for insufficient split or uneven leg separation.
6. 180° Heel Snap Turn in Passé
This turn involves the gymnast lifting one leg to a passé position (with the toe touching the knee of the standing leg) and completing a 180-degree turn on the supporting leg. The gymnast must maintain a high releve and proper posture throughout the turn.
Deductions can be made for poor foot form, incomplete turn, and bent supporting leg.
7. Split Jump (60° leg separation)
The split jump requires the gymnast to jump off both feet and achieve a 60-degree split in the air.
The gymnast must land on both feet simultaneously and keep the legs straight and together during the jump. Common errors include failure to reach the required split angle and poor landing form.
8. Candlestick to Sit
The gymnast rolls back onto their shoulders with legs extended vertically in a candlestick position and then rolls forward into a sitting position.
This move helps develop core strength and body control. The gymnast must keep the body straight and transition smoothly from the candlestick to the sitting position.
9. Forward Chassé and Straight Leg Leap
The gymnast performs a chassé, a quick, sliding step, followed by a straight leg leap. This sequence is designed to improve coordination and rhythm.
The gymnast must focus on keeping the legs straight and maintaining a continuous flow of movement.
Common Deductions:
- Arm and Leg Form (0.10 – 0.30): Bent limbs or failure to join legs at vertical positions.
- Position and Alignment (0.10 – 0.30): Incorrect body alignment during rolls or handstands.
- Height and Split (0.10 – 0.20): Failure to achieve the required split angles or insufficient jump height.
- Balance and Control (0.10 – 0.30): Wobbling during skills like the forward chasse or splits.
- Incorrect Technique (0.10 – 0.30): Using the wrong entry or exit for a skill or poor form during transitions
Level 3 Gymnastics Floor Routine
Level 3 requires gymnasts to be at least 6 years old to compete. Most gymnasts at this level are between 6-8 years old, focusing on refining their skills and starting to perform routines that are choreographed to music.
Level 3 routines incorporate more dynamic movements and are choreographed to music, requiring gymnasts to perform with greater precision and artistic expression. Key skills include handstand to bridge kickovers, round-off back handsprings, and split leaps.
The choreography emphasizes synchronization with music and seamless transitions between acrobatic and dance elements, helping gymnasts develop a greater sense of rhythm and coordination.
Essential Skills in the Routine
1. Handstand to Bridge Kickover
This skill begins with a handstand, where the gymnast must join their legs and hold the position briefly. The gymnast then transitions into a bridge by arching their back and lowering their legs. Finally, they kick over from the bridge to return to a standing position.
Key points of emphasis include keeping the arms straight and next to the ears, achieving a tight handstand, and maintaining proper form throughout the bridge and kickover.
2. Handstand Forward Roll
The gymnast kicks into a handstand and then rolls forward while maintaining straight arms and legs.
This skill requires control and strength to ensure a smooth transition from handstand to roll without collapsing the shoulders or bending the arms. The gymnast should aim to keep the legs together and extend fully through the roll.
3. Backward Roll to Push-Up Position
This move involves rolling backward onto the shoulders and then pushing up into a plank or push-up position. The gymnast must keep their arms straight and placed no wider than shoulder-width apart.
The goal is to achieve a 45-degree angle above horizontal with the legs, emphasizing control and strength in the core and upper body.
4. Round-Off, Back Handspring
This tumbling pass begins with a round-off, a cartwheel-like motion where the gymnast lands with both feet together facing the opposite direction.
The gymnast then immediately performs a back handspring, pushing off the ground with their hands to flip backward onto their feet. The key is to maintain a tight body position and ensure a quick and seamless connection between the two elements.
5. Split Leap (90° leg separation)
The gymnast performs a leap with legs separating to form a 90-degree angle. This skill focuses on flexibility and height.
The gymnast must maintain straight legs and a pointed toe position, aiming for equal leg separation in the air. Common errors include bent knees and insufficient height, leading to deductions.
6. Split Jump (90° leg separation)
Similar to the split leap, the split jump requires the gymnast to jump off both feet and achieve a 90-degree split position in the air.
Both legs should be straight, and the gymnast should land with feet together. Proper form and height are critical to avoid deductions for lack of split or poor landing control.
7. Half Turn in Forward Passé
This skill involves performing a turn on one foot while the other leg is lifted into a passé position, with the toe touching the knee of the supporting leg.
The gymnast must maintain a high releve (on the toes) and complete a 180-degree turn. Key points include balance, posture, and precise footwork.
8. Candlestick to Stand
The gymnast rolls back onto their shoulders with legs extended upward in a candlestick position, then transitions smoothly to a standing position.
This move helps develop core strength and body control. The gymnast should maintain a straight body line and avoid bending the knees during the transition.
9. Forward Split
The gymnast performs a forward split, aiming for a 180-degree separation of the legs. This skill emphasizes flexibility and proper alignment. The gymnast should focus on keeping the legs straight and ensuring the hips are squared to achieve the full split.
Common Deductions:
- Bent Arms or Legs (0.10 – 0.30): Straight arms and legs are essential for clean execution.
- Incomplete Skills (0.20 – 0.50): Not achieving the required angles or failing to hold the handstand position.
- Form Errors (0.10 – 0.20): Poor foot form or incorrect body alignment during skills.
- Balance Issues (0.10 – 0.20): Wobbling during turns or failing to land properly.
- Jump Height and Split (0.10 – 0.20): Inadequate jump height or failing to achieve the required split angles
Level 4 Gymnastics Floor Routine
For Level 4, the minimum age to compete is 7 years old. Gymnasts are typically aged 7-10 years at this level. This is the first compulsory level for competitive gymnastics in the USAG Development Program, where gymnasts must perform standardized routines and demonstrate both technical proficiency and artistic expression.
For Level 4, the routines introduce a blend of more complex acrobatic skills and expressive dance elements. Gymnasts perform front handsprings, back extension rolls, and leaps with 120-degree splits.
The choreography at this level requires expressiveness and a strong sense of timing, ensuring that movements are executed with grace and aligned with the music.
Key Skills in the Level 4 Floor Routine
1. Round-Off, Back Handspring Series
This tumbling pass begins with a round-off, where the gymnast performs a cartwheel-like motion landing with both feet together, followed by a back handspring.
The back handspring should be executed with a quick and powerful rebound off the hands. This sequence demands fluidity and speed, highlighting the gymnast’s ability to connect multiple skills seamlessly.
2. Front Handspring Step-Out
In this skill, the gymnast performs a front handspring but steps out one leg to land in a lunge position.
This move emphasizes control and strength, as the gymnast must maintain a straight body line and a strong push-off from the hands. Proper form includes straight arms and legs, and a tight body position throughout the skill.
3. Back Extension Roll
The gymnast starts in a standing position, rolls backward, and extends through a handstand position before landing in a lunge or stepping position. This move requires core strength and shoulder flexibility.
Deductions are applied for failure to reach vertical in the handstand or for poor body alignment during the roll.
4. Split Jump and Straddle Jump (120° leg separation)
Both the split jump and straddle jump require the gymnast to achieve a 120-degree leg separation in the air.
The split jump is performed by jumping off both feet and splitting the legs in the air, while the straddle jump involves separating the legs to the side. Key points of emphasis include height, leg form, and landing control.
5. Full Turn in Forward Passé
This turn involves lifting one leg into a passé position (toe to knee) and completing a full 360-degree turn on the supporting leg.
The gymnast must maintain high releve (on the toes) and proper posture throughout the turn. Deductions can be made for incomplete turns, poor foot form, and balance errors.
6. Stretch Jump with Half Turn
The gymnast performs a straight jump with a half turn, focusing on height and maintaining a tight body position.
The arms should remain in a crown position during the jump and turn, and deductions are applied for bent legs, lack of height, or poor landing form.
7. Passe Hop, Side Chassé, Forward Chassé
These dance elements include a hop in passé position (toe to knee), a sideways chassé (sliding step), and a forward chassé.
These skills are linked together to create a fluid sequence, with an emphasis on rhythm, coordination, and body control. Proper execution includes straight legs, pointed toes, and high releve positions.
8. Prone Spin and Log Roll
The gymnast performs a spin while lying prone on the floor, transitioning smoothly into a log roll.
These elements add an artistic component to the routine, emphasizing control and fluidity in movement. The gymnast should focus on maintaining a tight body position and moving in sync with the music.
9. Forward Split
The gymnast performs a full forward split, requiring a 180-degree separation of the legs. This skill emphasizes flexibility and proper alignment.
The gymnast should maintain a straight body and avoid bending the knees to achieve the full split position.
10. Bridge Kickover
From a bridge position, the gymnast kicks one leg over to return to a standing position. This move requires significant shoulder strength and flexibility.
The gymnast must ensure that the arms and legs remain straight, and the body moves smoothly from the bridge to the standing position.
Common Deductions:
- Bent Arms or Legs (0.10 – 0.30): Maintaining straight limbs is essential for all skills.
- Incomplete Skills (0.20 – 0.50): Failure to achieve vertical handstand or proper split angles.
- Height and Form (0.10 – 0.20): Lack of height in jumps and leaps or improper form.
- Balance Issues (0.10 – 0.30): Wobbling or failing to stick landings.
- Incorrect Technique (0.10 – 0.30): Poor form during transitions or incorrect execution of elements.
Level 5 Gymnastics Floor Routine
In Level 5, gymnasts must be at least 7 years old, with most participants being between 8-11 years old. Level 5 routines are the most advanced among the compulsory levels, combining intricate dance moves and challenging acrobatic elements.
Key skills include round-off back handspring series, front handspring step-outs, and split or switch leaps with 150-degree splits.
The routines require personalized choreography to highlight each gymnast’s strengths and are performed to contemporary music, emphasizing artistic expression and precise execution.
Key Skills in the Level 5 Floor Routine
1. Round-Off, Back Handspring, Back Handspring Series
This tumbling pass starts with a round-off, followed by two consecutive back handsprings.
The round-off must show a tight body position and controlled landing on both feet together. The back handsprings require a strong rebound, with straight arms and legs throughout.
Key deductions can occur for lack of speed, bent limbs, and poor form during the connection between elements.
2. Front Handspring Step-Out, Front Handspring to Two Feet
In this sequence, the gymnast performs a front handspring, stepping out with one leg into a lunge, followed immediately by another front handspring landing on both feet together.
This skill emphasizes control and power, requiring the gymnast to maintain a straight body line and strong push-off from the hands.
3. Back Extension Roll to Handstand
The back extension roll involves rolling backward with straight arms, pushing up into a handstand.
The gymnast must achieve a vertical handstand position without bending the arms or separating the legs. Common deductions include failure to reach vertical, poor body alignment, and lack of control during the transition to the handstand.
4. Straight Jump with Full Turn
This element requires the gymnast to perform a straight jump and complete a full 360-degree turn in the air.
The gymnast must focus on maintaining height and a tight body position during the turn, with deductions for bent legs, insufficient height, and poor landing control.
5. Split Leap or Switch Leap (150° leg separation)
The gymnast performs either a split leap or a switch leap, both requiring a 150-degree leg separation.
The leap must demonstrate good height, straight legs, and proper form. Deductions can occur for insufficient split, uneven leg separation, and lack of height.
6. Straddle Jump (150° leg separation)
In the straddle jump, the gymnast jumps off both feet and achieves a 150-degree leg separation in a horizontal plane.
Proper execution involves straight legs, pointed toes, and a controlled landing. Common errors include lack of split angle, bent knees, and poor landing form.
7. Full Turn in Forward Passé
This skill involves lifting one leg into a passé position (toe to knee) and completing a full 360-degree turn on the supporting leg.
The gymnast must maintain high releve (on the toes) and proper posture throughout the turn. Deductions can be made for incomplete turns, poor foot form, and balance errors.
8. Backward Roll to Push-Up Position
The gymnast performs a backward roll, transitioning smoothly into a push-up position.
This move requires strong arm and core muscles, and the gymnast must push up with straight arms and maintain a flat body alignment. Key deductions include bent arms and failure to achieve a proper push-up position.
9. Forward Split
The gymnast performs a full forward split, requiring a 180-degree separation of the legs. This skill emphasizes flexibility and proper alignment.
The gymnast should focus on maintaining straight legs and ensuring the hips are squared to achieve the full split position.
10. Prone Spin and Log Roll
The gymnast performs a spin while lying prone on the floor, transitioning smoothly into a log roll.
These elements add an artistic component to the routine, emphasizing control and fluidity in movement. The gymnast should focus on maintaining a tight body position and moving in sync with the music.
Common Deductions:
- Bent Arms or Legs (0.10 – 0.30): Essential for clean lines and proper form.
- Incomplete Skills (0.20 – 0.50): Not reaching the required handstand or split angles.
- Height and Split (0.10 – 0.20): Insufficient height in jumps and leaps, or inadequate split angles.
- Balance and Control (0.10 – 0.30): Wobbling during skills or poor landings.
- Execution Errors (0.10 – 0.50): Poor technique in transitions and incorrect body positions during skills.
Conclusion
The 2024 routines for Levels 1-5 are designed to help young gymnasts grow by focusing on both technical skills and artistic expression. These routines offer a clear path for gymnasts to progress in the sport, creating a strong base for their future success in competitive gymnastics.
