Types of Gymnastics Stunts

Beam Stunts

A routine on the balance beam begins with a mount, which can incorporate a running
flip for more advanced gymnasts. When scoring the routine, judges look for at least two
flight elements, so you should include moves such as twists and flips, if possible. Keep
in mind that your jumps can reach 3 to 4 feet from the beam. You need to complete all
of your rotations during these stunts.

Floor Stunts

While beginners complete tricks such as the forward roll, more advanced gymnasts
attempt extremely difficulty tumbling routines during the floor exercise. These
maneuvers include handsprings, flips and twists, which you must do in combination with
one another and land on your feet. The handspring holds particular importance because
it helps you to gain speed as you move toward the more difficult elements of your
routine.
Vault Stunts

Beginners on the vault simply try to somersault from the

apparatus and land on their feet. You might then move to
a handspring until you have mastered that stunt. Once
you become better at the vault, you can incorporate
moves with multiple twists and flips, which have a high
degree of difficulty. You must keep your body in a
straight position while in the air and land your jump
without taking steps forward or backward. Rule changes
have made it illegal for gymnasts to cartwheel into their
vault, as that maneuver provided an injury risk.

Bar Stunts

Men and women have different bar-based events, so the moves that each sex does can
vary. Women compete on the uneven bars, making it possible for them to transition
between the bars with release moves. Judges watch these transitions carefully, as they
involve gymnasts releasing one bar and catching themselves on another bar. The
horizontal bar, in which the men compete, allows competitors to swing around the bars
in a circular motion. This motion allows the men to build up enough speed to complete
larger release moves and, eventually, a dismount.