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! […]

How to Excel in Level 10 Vault


This article has been updated to reflect the changes in the 2022-2026 DP Code of Points. You may have already read about Level 8 and Level 9 vault, in which there are restrictions on what vaults are allowable. In Level 10 vault, pretty much anything goes! There are many more options for flipping vaults, twisting […]

Level 8 Floor Routine Requirements


Level 8 floor routines start to get a bit more difficult, compared with Levels 6 and 7. Level 8 is the third optional level in gymnastics. Optional gymnastics means that the gymnast gets to use their own choreography. Level 8 floor music can be chosen by the gymnast and coach. Today we will look at […]

2022-2026 Optional Gymnastics Requirements


This article has been updated to reflect the 2022-2026 DP Code of Points changes. Every four years, the rules change for optional gymnastics under USA Gymnastics. Sometimes there are a lot of changes, and other years, the optional gymnastics requirements stay pretty much the same. As of April 2022, the new rules for 2022-2026 have […]

How to Excel in Level 8 Vault


This article has been updated to reflect the changes in the 2022-2026 DP Code of Points. Level 8 vault… this assignment used to (and sometimes still does) strike fear into the hearts of judges. Would all the gymnasts make it through without crashing? I always consider it a success if I don’t gasp or jump […]

Level 7 Floor Routine Requirements


This post has been updated to reflect the 2022-2026 Code of Points. Level 7 floor routines are some of my favorite routines to judge. Level 7 gymnastics is the second optional level in gymnastics. This means that the gymnast gets to use their own choreography. Level 7 floor music can be chosen by the gymnast […]

Level 6 Beam Routine Recommendations


This article has been updated to reflect the 2022-2026 DP Code of Points changes. Introduction to Level 6 Beam The Level 6 beam routines can be very quick, but they can also be a challenge! These routines combine basic acro skills, which can include flight skills or a series, along with dance skills such as […]