The 7 Types of Gymnastics: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
When most people think of gymnastics, they picture athletes flipping on the balance beam or soaring over the vault at the Olympic Games. In reality, gymnastics is much broader than…
7 Most Difficult Balance Beam Skills (2025–2028 Code of Points)
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…
What Is a Twist in Gymnastics? Explained with Examples
In gymnastics, a twist refers to rotation around the gymnast’s vertical (longitudinal) axis—the invisible line running from head to toe. Unlike a flip (called a salto), which rotates the body…
What Is a Full Twist in Gymnastics? A Clear Guide for Beginners
In gymnastics, a full twist is a skill where the gymnast performs a backflip while twisting their body 360 degrees in the air. It combines two elements into one smooth…
How to Qualify as an Elite Gymnast: Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming an elite gymnast means entering a highly selective track where you compete nationally and internationally under the strict standards of USA Gymnastics (USAG) and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).…
Level 10 vs. Elite: What’s the True Highest Level in Gymnastics?
Many U.S. gymnastics fans hear that “Level 10 is the top,” only to discover during the Olympics that “Elite” exists above it. Surprisingly, both statements are true, but in very…
What Counts as a “High Score” in Gymnastics Today?
Since the 2006 shift to the open-ended scoring system, the definition of a “high score” in gymnastics has changed dramatically. No longer aiming for a perfect 10, gymnasts now accumulate…
The Highest Difficulty Scores in Artistic Gymnastics (WAG & MAG)
In elite gymnastics, the difficulty score, or D-score tells us how hard a routine really is. Unlike the execution score, which judges form and artistry, the D-score measures the raw…
The Complete Gymnastics Vault Moves List: From Basics to Big Skills
Vault is the fastest event in artistic gymnastics and often the most decisive. In just about one second, a gymnast sprints down a 25-meter runway, strikes the springboard, contacts the…
FIG-Approved Vault Equipment: Standards Every Coach Should Know
The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) only certifies vault equipment that passes rigorous, independent lab testing for safety, consistency, and durability. A vault table, springboard, or landing mat with the…