The Gymnastics Guide

Helping gymnasts and coaches to be their best every day!
2020 Friendship and Solidarity Meet

2020 Friendship and Solidarity Meet


The 2020 Friendship and Solidarity Meet was held in Tokyo, Japan on November 8. This meet is significant in 2020, as it is the first international meet that has been held since the COVID-19 shutdowns. Of course, Tokyo is slated to host the rescheduled Olympic Games in summer 2021. This meet served as a warm-up […]

How to Perfect Your Level 2 Beam Routine 2022

How to Perfect Your Level 2 Beam Routine 2022


This post has been updated to reflect the 2021-2029 compulsory routine changes. Occasionally, I look toward the beam to salute the next gymnast, but I can’t see her because she’s not tall enough to see over the beam! Usually, when that happens, I’m judging Level 2 beam. In my area, Level 2 is the lowest […]

The Ideal Composition for a Level 8 Bar Routine

The Ideal Composition for a Level 8 Bar Routine


This post has been updated to reflect the 2022-2026 Code of Points. What goes into a Level 8 bar routine? It’s a little more involved than Levels 6 and 7! Level 8 is the first level that includes composition deductions, and Level 8 gymnasts are required to perform more difficult skills than the previous levels. […]

How to Develop a Positive Attitude in Gymnastics

How to Develop a Positive Attitude in Gymnastics


This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The power of a positive attitude. Positive thinking. Optimism. Belief in oneself. No matter what you call it, a positive attitude is at the center of a growth mindset in sports. In gymnastics, this is especially important, as the skills […]

5 Tips for a Great Level 2 Vault

5 Tips for a Great Level 2 Vault


The Level 2 vault – what in the world is it? When the flat back vault was first introduced, it had already been used by coaches in training for a long time. But no one knew how it would be scored in a meet. Judges complained that it was difficult to judge. Coaches complained that […]

Hosting a Gymnastics Meet During a Pandemic

Hosting a Gymnastics Meet During a Pandemic


Pandemic life has challenged us in many ways. First, most of the country was shut down. Schools were closed. Many businesses were closed, including gymnastics gyms. The end of meet season was cancelled. Gymnasts all over the country, and the world, had to miss their biggest meets. Now, some parts of the country have opened […]