The Vault is one of the four women's apparatuses and features an explosive sprint, a springboard jump, and aerial elements performed off the vault table. It's all about power, precision, and fearless flight.

The runway is 25 meters long – giving gymnasts just enough distance to build up speed for lift-off. Every meter counts in the approach.

In artistic gymnastics, vaults are categorized into five official vault groups based on how the gymnast enters and pushes off the vaulting table. These groups determine the basic vault family and how the skill is valued in scoring. Here's a breakdown:

Group 1: Handspring vaults – A direct handspring entry followed by a salto or twist.

Group 2: Tsukahara vaults – A quarter- to half-turn onto the table followed by a back salto.

Group 3: Yurchenko vaults – A round-off onto the springboard, followed by a back handspring onto the table and a salto off.

Group 4: Round-off vaults with ½ turn onto the table – Rare vaults with unique backward entry mechanics.

Group 5: Handspring with ¼ or ½ turn onto the table – Forward-entry vaults with early twist before the salto.

Each group allows for different variations in body position (tucked, piked, layout) and twist combinations. The most common and powerful vaults today are Yurchenkos, but gymnasts aiming for medals often train multiple types to maximize difficulty and qualify for finals.

Top-level scores range between 14.000 and 15.500. Scores combine difficulty (D-score) and execution (E-score). Sticking the landing can be the difference between gold and bronze.

Vault L5: Do gymnasts always perform two vaults?
Not always. Two different vaults are only required in event finals. In team and all-around competitions, gymnasts perform just one.

Not always. In team and all-around competitions, gymnasts perform just one vault.
However, in the vault event final, they must perform two different vaults from different groups, with the average of both scores counting toward their final result.
To be eligible for the vault final in the first place, a gymnast must already perform two vaults during qualifications. This rule ensures that only versatile vaulters – with the ability to master multiple techniques – can compete for medals.

Top-level vault scores range between 14.000 and 15.500. A score above 14.500 is considered excellent. The final score is the sum of the D-score (difficulty) and E-score (execution), minus any penalties.

A vault becomes more challenging when it involves greater speed, more complex rotations, and higher risk during the flight phase. Several factors contribute to the overall difficulty:

Entry mechanics – For example, Yurchenkos require a round-off and back handspring before even touching the table, demanding precise technique and timing.

Number of twists or flips – The more rotations or twists performed in the air, the higher the D-score, but also the more control is required to stick the landing.

Vault group and body position – Vaults are divided into five families, and each group has different difficulty potentials. Layout positions (straight body) are harder than tucked or piked ones.

Landing control – A difficult vault is only complete if landed cleanly. Sticking the landing after complex rotations is one of the toughest challenges in gymnastics.

Height and distance – The gymnast must achieve both upward and outward flight, which requires explosive power and technique.

In short, the most challenging vaults combine power, precision, technical mastery, and fearlessness – all executed in just a few breathtaking seconds.

Judges evaluate both difficulty and execution. The D-score reflects the vault's value based on recognized elements. The E-score starts at 10.0, with deductions for form, amplitude, and landing. Vaults are over in seconds – every detail counts.

If a gymnast falls, a 1.0 deduction is applied. If she balks (runs but doesn’t go for the vault), she may receive one more attempt depending on the competition phase. Two balks or touching the board without vaulting can result in a zero.

Vault is fast, explosive, and highly adrenaline-driven – which makes it the perfect opening event in many competitions.
Starting with vault allows gymnasts to build momentum and mentally commit right from the start. It also helps the meet run efficiently, as vault requires a different setup than the other apparatus.

Additionally, because vault scores can vary widely, a strong start can give teams or all-around gymnasts a competitive edge from the very beginning.

Uneven bar routines include swings, handstands, release moves (letting go and catching the bar), transitions between the low and high bar, and a dismount. Top-level routines feature elements like Tkachevs, Pak saltos, and full-twisting double layouts.

A full uneven bars routine usually lasts 30 to 45 seconds. Unlike floor, there’s no time limit – but gymnasts must connect required elements without unnecessary pauses or repetition to avoid deductions.

Each routine receives two scores:

The D-score (difficulty) includes the eight highest-valued elements plus connection bonuses.

The E-score (execution) starts at 10.0, with deductions taken for bent arms, missed handstands, leg separations, and more.
The final score = D + E, minus any penalties.

If a gymnast falls, she receives a 1.0-point deduction and must remount within 30 seconds. Judges also deduct for loss of rhythm and breaks in the composition. A fall often makes it hard to qualify for finals or win medals.

In women’s artistic gymnastics, the uneven bars are set at two fixed heights:

High bar: approximately 250 cm

Low bar: approximately 170 cm
The horizontal distance between the bars is adjustable, usually between 130 and 180 cm, depending on the gymnast’s size and preferences. Proper setup is essential for safe transitions and optimal performance.

Difficulty comes from complex release moves, tight connections, and high-level transitions. Elements like E-rated releases, in-bar stalders, and mixed-grip pirouettes raise the D-score significantly.

A coach is allowed to stand next to the bars for safety, especially during release elements. However, if they physically touch the gymnast, it results in a 0.5-point deduction – even if it prevents a fall. Intentional or unintentional, a touch is always penalized.

To meet composition requirements, gymnasts must perform at least two different grip changes during the routine – such as switching from regular grip to eagle grip or mixed grip. Missing this can lead to composition deductions.

A senior bars routine must include at least eight counting elements, including one flight element, one bar change, one pirouette, and a dismount. Simpler routines or missing requirements lead to a lower D-score.

Popular high-difficulty dismounts include the full-twisting double layout (F), double front (E), and double tuck (D). The dismount plays a key role in the routine's final impression – and sticking the landing without steps can be the difference between gold and silver.

The beam is only 10 cm (4 inches) wide – about the width of a smartphone – and routines include jumps, acrobatic series, and turns. It’s a true test of balance, confidence, and body control under pressure.

Beam scores are composed of two parts: the D-score (difficulty, based on the elements performed) and the E-score (execution, starting from 10.0 and reduced for wobbles, form breaks, or falls). The final score is the sum of both.

A fall results in a 1.0-point deduction from the E-score. The gymnast must remount within 30 seconds and continue her routine. Falls affect not only the score but also rhythm and mental focus.

According to FIG rules, a routine must include:
– an acro series (e.g., back handspring + layout)
– a dance series (e.g., leap + jump)
– a full turn
– a dismount
– and other skills to meet the minimum difficulty.

The maximum time allowed is 90 seconds. Routines going over the time limit receive a 0.1 deduction. Most elite gymnasts keep their routines around 75–85 seconds to stay within rhythm and focus.

Gymnasts often take a moment to mentally prepare before risky elements like acro series or dismounts. However, excessive pauses can lead to rhythm deductions. Beam is about flow, not hesitation.

Yes – touching the beam to steady oneself (e.g. grabbing with a hand) is allowed, but results in an execution deduction. Graceful recovery is crucial to minimize the point loss.

Artistry includes rhythm, expression, connection of elements, and fluidity. Judges look for a confident and elegant performance, not just technical skill. Beam is as much about style as substance.

Through repetition, mental imagery, and specific drills. Many gymnasts start with low beams, work on soft mats, and build up slowly. Confidence is trained just like any physical skill.

The FIG standard height for women’s balance beam is 125 cm from the floor. While it’s adjustable in training gyms, competition beams are always set at this official height.

The maximum duration is 90 seconds. A timer starts when the gymnast begins her first movement and stops with her final pose. If a routine exceeds the limit, 0.1 points are deducted from the final score. Most elite gymnasts stay within 75–90 seconds for optimal pacing and stamina.

Just like on other apparatus, the score combines the D-score (difficulty value of selected elements and connections) and the E-score (execution, starting from 10.0). Judges also evaluate artistry, choreography, music interpretation, and expression. Falls or form breaks lead to deductions.

A complete floor routine must contain:

At least three acrobatic elements (e.g. flips, twists)

Dance elements (leaps, turns, jumps)

A connection between dance and acro

A salto in the final tumbling line

Choreographic variety to showcase expression and musicality

Not for full credit. While a gymnast can repeat an element, only one instance of the same skill counts toward the D-score. Variety in passes is rewarded, and identical repetitions may result in value reductions.

Yes – gymnasts (together with coaches and choreographers) select their own music, which must be instrumental and free of lyrics. The music must match the athlete’s personality, enhance performance quality, and comply with time and rhythm regulations. Musical expression is a scoring factor.

Floor routines are performed on a 12×12 meter mat, marked by white lines. If any part of the gymnast’s body touches beyond the line, a 0.1 deduction is taken per occurrence. Judges monitor this with boundary sensors and floor judges.

Choreography connects the routine’s different parts and gives gymnasts time to recover their breath, reset focus, and match their movements to the music. It also contributes to artistry and overall flow – both of which are key to a high E-score.

No. According to FIG rules, only the gymnast’s leotard and body movements are allowed. Props, costumes, or lyrics in the music are strictly prohibited. The performance must rely on movement quality and creativity alone.

Gymnasts may perform up to four tumbling diagonals across the floor. Most elite routines include all four, ending with a salto dismount. The quality and difficulty of these passes heavily influence both D- and E-scores.

A crucial one. Judges assess how well the gymnast expresses the music, uses the full floor area, connects elements, and performs with confidence and style. Artistry deductions can occur for robotic movements, lack of rhythm, or poor choreography. A routine should tell a story and captivate.