The Gymnastics Guide

Helping gymnasts and coaches to be their best every day!

What’s New in the Xcel Program in 2024-25?


Every four years, USA Gymnastics makes changes to the rules for the Xcel Program. The most recent rules changes took place in 2023. (Click here to read about them.) However, each year, the committees meet and determine if smaller-scale changes need to be made to address issues that have been brought up. Those meetings were […]

Making Sense of Composition – Level 10 Floor

Making Sense of Composition – Level 10 Floor


This article has been updated to reflect the changes in the 2022-2026 DP Code of Points. It has been modified using the new 2024 composition deductions. Have you ever watched a floor routine that looked amazing, but then it scored low? I know I have! Especially before I started judging, it just didn’t make sense! […]

Making Sense of Composition: Level 9 Floor

Making Sense of Composition: Level 9 Floor


This article has been updated to reflect the changes made in the 2022-2026 Code of Points. It has been modified using the new 2024 composition deductions. Your Level 9 gymnast hits her floor routine. Yes! But the score comes in lower than you both expected. What’s the deal? At Level 9, there’s a good chance […]