A Complete List of Gymnastics Moves for Every Apparatus

Have you ever watched a gymnast flip, twist, or soar through the air and wondered, How do they do that? If you're new to gymnastics, this guide dives into the fascinating world of gymnastics moves across all apparatuses. 

From the floor to the rings, let’s break down the moves and share tips to help gymnasts master them!

List of Gymnastics Moves

Let’s explore these moves in detail to understand what makes them so impressive and how gymnasts achieve them.

1. Floor Exercise

The floor is where gymnasts perform a mix of tumbling, leaps, turns, and choreography to music. The springy surface helps gymnasts achieve height and control in their movements. Here are several key moves:

• Roundoff Back Handspring Back Tuck

A sequence starting with a roundoff (a cartwheel-like move that lands with feet together) followed by a back handspring (a fast backward flip with hands touching the ground) and ending with a back tuck (a flip with knees tucked into the chest).

• Split Leap

Split leap is a graceful leap where the gymnast’s legs form a full split in the air.

• Double Twist

A flipping move where the gymnast completes two full rotations in the air.

• Forward Roll

A simple and fun move where you roll forward along the floor, tucking your body as you go.

• Splits

Stretch your legs either sideways or front-to-back until they’re fully extended, with your lower body touching the floor. You can even practice splits on a trampoline!

• Handstand

 

Balance on your hands with your body upright, legs straight, and toes pointed toward the sky.

2. Balance Beam

The balance beam is only 4 inches wide, making it a true test of balance and focus. Gymnasts perform routines that include acrobatic and dance elements. Several key moves:

• Cartwheel

Cartwheel is sideways flip adjusted for the narrow surface of the beam.

• Switch Leap

A leap where the gymnast’s legs switch positions mid-air.

• Round Off Dismount

Round Off dismount is a tumbling exit off the beam, often combined with a flip or twist.

• Aerial Walkover

Similar to an aerial cartwheel, but moving forward instead of sideways.

• Somersault

Tuck your knees and flip forward along the floor.

• Roundoff

A cartwheel-style move that ends in a powerful standing position.

3. Vault

Vaulting involves speed, power, and precision. Gymnasts sprint, spring off a board, and execute dynamic skills off the vaulting table. Here are several moves:

• Handspring Vault

A simple vault where the gymnast flips forward over the table.

• Tsukahara

A half-turn onto the table, followed by a backflip.

• Yurchenko

A roundoff onto the springboard, a back handspring onto the vault, and a flip or twist off.

• Amanar

A Yurchenko variation featuring two-and-a-half twists off the vault.

• Produnova

Known as the “vault of death,” it involves a front handspring and two tucked front somersaults off the vault.

4. Uneven Bars

The uneven bars routine requires strength, rhythm, and flow as gymnasts swing, flip, and transition between the high and low bars. Here are several uneven bars moves:

• Kip

A move where gymnasts transition from hanging to supporting themselves on the bar.

• Giants

Giants are big and 360-degree swings around the high bar.

• Release Moves 

Gymnasts let go of the bar, flip or twist, and re-catch it.

• Cast

A foundational bar move where you hold yourself in a semi-plank position, with your back slightly rounded and core engaged.

5. Parallel Bars

Parallel bars are a staple in men’s gymnastics, highlighting strength, balance, and smooth transitions. Here are several key moves:

• L-Sit

Holding the legs straight out while supporting the body on the bars.

• Swing to Handstand

A controlled swing ending in a vertical handstand.

6. High Bar

The high bar is about daring releases and acrobatic dismounts, requiring strength, courage, and skill. Several high bar key moves:

• Tap Swing

Tap swing is a basic swing to build momentum.

• Release Moves

Release moves on high bars are when gymnasts let go, flip, and re-catch the bar.

7. Rings

Rings demand incredible upper body strength, making it one of the most challenging apparatuses. Here are several ring gymnastics key moves:

• Iron Cross

Iron cross is holding the arms straight out horizontally on the gymnastics rings.

• Handstand on Rings

Balancing in a vertical position on the unsteady rings.

• Support Hold

The support hold is a foundational skill on the gymnastics rings where you hold your body upright with straight arms and your torso parallel to the ground. This move is key for progressing to more advanced ring skills.

• Muscle Up

A muscle up is all about moving from a hanging position to an upright support position on the rings. It’s a combination of strength, technique, and a little momentum to get you there.

• Hanging in Tuck

This move has you hanging from the rings with your knees tucked tightly to your chest. It’s a basic but vital position, as it forms the building block for many advanced skills on the rings. 

• Pike and Straddle Shapes

Pike and straddle shapes are essential body positions in gymnastics and play a big role in ring exercises. In the pike shape, you bend at the hips with your legs straight. 

Which Gymnastics Moves You Love The Most?

If your kids dream of flipping, balancing, and soaring like true gymnastics stars, now’s the perfect time to turn those dreams into reality! Enrolling them in a gymnastics program not only honed their skills but also builds confidence, discipline, and a love for physical activity. 

At Rockstar Academy, the best Sports & Performing Arts Academy around, your kids can join an incredible gymnastics journey like no other. Rockstar Academy’s gymnastics programs are packed with exciting opportunities! 

From Gymnastics Testing—designed to help students level up and prepare for National and International competitions—to the Gymnastics Elite Championships, where kids can compete, grow, and learn the true meaning of sportsmanship. 

For those who want extra focus and faster progress, we offer Private Instruction, where students get personalized, one-on-one training with expert coaches. They’ll receive detailed feedback, progress reports, training videos, and even weekly exercises to practice at home, ensuring steady improvement. With the right guidance and support, every student can shine and reach their full potential in gymnastics!

Plus, for the ultimate challenge, the Dream Team program offers 180 minutes of high-intensity training led by professional instructors, helping student-athletes unlock their full potential both in sports and life.

Still on the fence? Why not try it out for free? Rockstar Academy offers free trial classes so you and your child can experience the magic firsthand. Ready to get started? Contact Rockstar Academy today and let the fun, fitness, and flips begin!

FAQs

What is the easiest gymnastics apparatus for beginners?

The floor exercise is often the easiest for beginners because it doesn’t require equipment and focuses on foundational skills like rolls and handstands.

How long does it take to master gymnastics moves?

It depends on the move and the gymnast's experience. Basic skills can take weeks, while advanced moves may take months or years of practice.

How can I improve my flexibility for gymnastics?

Stretch daily, focusing on splits, bridges, and shoulder flexibility. Yoga can also help improve overall flexibility.

Is it necessary to practice all apparatuses in gymnastics?

Not necessarily. Many gymnasts specialize in specific apparatuses, especially as they progress. However, beginners often learn a variety before specializing.