This article has been updated to reflect the changes in the 2022-26 Xcel Code of Points. Xcel beam routines – what are the judges looking for? Well, it’s a bit different at each division, but there are definitely some common themes. The best beam routines display confidence, good form, and good body posture. This is […]
This post has been updated to reflect the changes in the 2022-26 Xcel Code of Points. What’s the best way to get my Xcel Platinum bars score up? How about Xcel Diamond? There are many more considerations in these divisions, compared with Bronze, Silver, and Gold. And of course, there are intricacies specific to each […]
What are the “intangibles” that can elevate your routine to the top? Every optional gymnastics routine is evaluated, at the end, on several general categories. These categories can result in general deductions for the routine, if there are deficits in these areas. Most routines receive a deduction in at least one of these areas. But […]
This article has been updated to reflect the changes in the 2022-26 Xcel Code of Points, and updated again July 20. 2023. Xcel gymnastics. These levels used to strike fear into the hearts of judges, when they were first being developed. The rules were so different from J.O. that some judges said they wouldn’t even […]
As I watch a gymnastics meet, I notice that some routines really seem to pull me in. I even get chills watching them, if they’re really good! Some gymnasts seem to have a special quality about them that draws people to watch them. What is it about these routines that makes them irresistible to watch? […]
This article has been updated to reflect the changes in the 2022-26 Xcel Code of Points. Ah, Xcel. These are the levels that foster the most questions. There are so many questions that our regional Xcel chair even started a Xcel Facebook group. Professionals in our region can write in to the group to get […]
This post has been updated to reflect the 2021-2029 compulsory routine changes, and was updated again in July 2023. The final compulsory floor routine is the Level 5 floor routine. This routine is full of progressions from the Level 4 routine, and helps gymnasts learn the skills necessary to become a successful optional gymnast. It’s […]
This post has been updated to reflect changes to the 2021 compulsory routines. The Level 4 bar routine comes with some big changes, compared to Level 3. Kips! Jumping to the high bar! These new, big skills can present quite a challenge to a new Level 4 gymnast. When I first competed at this level, […]
This post has been updated to reflect the 2021 compulsory updates, and the updates from the 2022 minutes. Where I live in Ohio, Level 3 is often the first level gymnasts compete. For many Level 3 gymnasts, learning to swing bars can be really tough! Bars requires a lot of upper-body strength along with good […]
