Glossary of gymnastics terms
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This is a general glossary of the terms used in the sport of
gymnastics Gymnastics is a type of sport that includes physical exercises requiring balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, dedication and endurance. The movements involved in gymnastics contribute to the development of the arms, legs, s ...
.


A

;AA: Abbreviation for all-around. ;AB: A scoring abbreviation for uneven bars, from the name
asymmetric bars The uneven bars or asymmetric bars is an artistic gymnastics apparatus. It is made of a steel frame. The bars are made of fiberglass with wood coating, or less commonly wood. The English abbreviation for the event in gymnastics scoring is UB or ...
. ;A-score: Under the current ''Code of Points,'' this score tallies the gymnast' counted skills, combinations and EGR. In theory, the A-score can be open-ended, depending on the skills the gymnast presents. ;
Acrobatic gymnastics Acrobatic gymnastics is a competitive gymnastic discipline where partnerships of gymnasts work together and perform figures consisting of acrobatic moves, dance and tumbling, set to music. There are three types of routines; a 'balance' routine ...
: A discipline of gymnastics where partners work together to combine the tumbling and power of the floor exercise in artistic gymnastics with the flexibility and artistry of dance. Acrobatic gymnastics routines are performed on the floor apparatus. ;: A term in which a singular athlete competes (and scored in) on all four (women) or six (men) apparatus in a single continuous meet. This can be qualified individually as part of, or simultaneously during, a team competition, and/or in a completely separate singular continuous event termed 'Individual All-Around Finals'. ;Arabian: Type of salto that starts out with a backward entry into a half twist that begins immediately after takeoff, and then continues into a front flip. ;Apparatus: Specific equipment used in gymnastics. ;
Artistic gymnastics Artistic gymnastics is a discipline of gymnastics in which athletes perform short routines on different apparatuses. The sport is governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), which designs the Code of Points and regulates ...
: A discipline of gymnastics in which competitors perform upon apparatuses. ;
Arabesque The arabesque is a form of artistic decoration consisting of "surface decorations based on rhythmic linear patterns of scrolling and interlacing foliage, tendrils" or plain lines, often combined with other elements. Another definition is "Foli ...
: Standing on one leg with the other leg raised about 45 degrees ; Aerial :A type of cartwheel where a gymnast's hands do not touch the ground. ; Aerial twist: an acrobatic flip that incorporates a 180° rotation during the peak of the flip's height.


B

Backhandspring: a skill in which you jump reach for the floor and kick over with you legs together at all times ;B-score: Under the current ''Code of Points'', this score rates the gymnast's execution, form, artistry and technique. The judges take their deductions from the 10.0 base score. ;Back-to-back tumbling: A series of skills in which the gymnast executes a tumbling pass from one corner of the mat to the other, rebounds, and performs another tumbling pass in the other direction without stopping. Notably performed by
Oksana Omelianchik Oksana Omelianchik (russian: Оксана Александровна Омельянчик; uk, Окса́на Oлекса́ндрiвна Омелья́нчик, Oksana Oleksandrivna Omelianchyk; alternative transliterations: Oksana Omel'yantchi ...
(URS),
Daniela Silivaș Daniela Viorica Silivaș-Harper (; born 9 May 1972), is a Romanian former artistic gymnast best known for medaling in every single event at one Olympics, winning six medals (three gold, two silver, and one bronze) at the 1988 Summer Games in ...
(ROU) and
Dominique Dawes Dominique Margaux Dawes (born November 20, 1976) is a retired American artistic gymnast. Known in the gymnastics community as 'Awesome Dawesome', she was a 10-year member of the U.S. national gymnastics team, the 1994 U.S. all-around senior Nati ...
(USA). ;Balance: One of the three routines in acrobatic gymnastics, highlighted by static hold positions that demonstrate strength, agility and flexibility. ;
Balance beam The balance beam is a rectangular artistic gymnastics apparatus and an event performed using the apparatus. Both the apparatus and the event are sometimes simply referred to as "beam". The English abbreviation for the event in gymnastics scoring i ...
: A gymnastics apparatus used by women in artistic gymnastics. It is a platform upon which gymnasts perform tumbling and dance skills. ;
Ball A ball is a round object (usually spherical, but can sometimes be ovoid) with several uses. It is used in ball games, where the play of the game follows the state of the ball as it is hit, kicked or thrown by players. Balls can also be used f ...
: A gymnastics apparatus used in rhythmic gymnastics. The ball rests in the gymnast's hands, is balanced on the body, and is thrown into the air and caught. ; Banned skills: Prohibited gymnastic moves due to high risk of injuries for the performing athlete. ;Base: In acrobatic gymnastics, the role in pair and group competition that requires strength and balance. The base is usually an older, larger athlete. ;BB: The scoring abbreviation for
balance beam The balance beam is a rectangular artistic gymnastics apparatus and an event performed using the apparatus. Both the apparatus and the event are sometimes simply referred to as "beam". The English abbreviation for the event in gymnastics scoring i ...
. ;Bib: The number worn on the gymnast's back, and used in the scoring and roster sheets, to identify them to the judges. ;Busnari: Reverse Stöckli straddle through handstand. Named after Alberto Busnari. ;B turn : Backtuck


C

;Chestroll:This skill to bend the back. It is also called a chin stand. ; Cartwheel: The maneuver where one moves sideways, from hands to feet, in a straight line (in the motion that the wheel of a cart would follow), while keeping the back, arms, and legs straight, and the feet pointed. ;Chalk: Carbonate of magnesia, used by gymnasts on their hands, feet and apparatus to make the surface of the equipment less slippery, or to mark lines on the mats. ;Circle: A full circle with the legs together and both hands supporting the gymnast. One of the three basic swings on the
Pommel Horse The pommel horse is an artistic gymnastics apparatus. Traditionally, it is used by only male gymnasts. Originally made of a metal frame with a wooden body and a leather cover, the modern pommel horse has a metal body covered with foam rubber and ...
. ;
Clubs Club may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media * ''Club'' (magazine) * Club, a ''Yie Ar Kung-Fu'' character * Clubs (suit), a suit of playing cards * Club music * "Club", by Kelsea Ballerini from the album '' kelsea'' Brands and enterprises ...
: A gymnastics apparatus used in rhythmic gymnastics. ; Code of Points: The document that regulates scoring of each discipline. ;Combined: Presented only during acrobatic gymnastics finals, the Combined routine features the elements of both the Balance and the Dynamic (Tempo) routines. ;Competition: Performance in front of a judge which the judge will then score and give points.


D

;Derwael-Fenton: release move on uneven bars: backward Stalder with counter straddle reverse hecht over the high bar with half (180 degree) turn to hang in mixed L-grip, introduced by Belgian gymnast
Nina Derwael Nina Derwael ( or ; born 26 March 2000) is a Belgian artistic gymnast. She is the 2020 Olympic champion, a two-time World champion (2018, 2019), and a two-time European champion (2017, 2018) on the uneven bars. She is the 2019 European Games ...
and British gymnast
Georgia-Mae Fenton Georgia-Mae Fenton (born 2 November 2000) is an elite English artistic gymnast and a member of both the British national gymnastics team and the England Commonwealth Games gymnastics squad. She is the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth champion on un ...
;Diamidov: Swing forward with 1/1 (360°) turn on one arm to
handstand __NOTOC__ A handstand is the act of supporting the body in a stable, inverted vertical position by balancing on the hands. In a basic handstand, the body is held straight with arms and legs fully extended, with hands spaced approximately shoulder- ...
on parallel bars. Named after
Sergey Diomidov Sergey Viktorovich Diomidov (russian: Сергей Викторович Диомидов; born 9 July 1943) is a Soviet former gymnast who competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics and in the 1968 Summer Olympics. He won team silver medals at both Gam ...
. ;Dismount: The act of getting off an apparatus and the skill used to do it. ;Dynamic: One of the three routines in acrobatic gymnastics, combining choreography with tumbling sequences and flight elements like throws. ;
Dive Roll A roll is the most basic and fundamental skill in gymnastics class. There are many variations in the skill. Rolls are similar to flips in the fact that they are a complete rotation of the body, but the rotation of the roll is usually made on the ...
: Transitioning from handstand into forward roll. File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 5 Parallel bars (Martin Rulsch) 20.jpg, Performed by a young gymnast at the Austrian Future Cup 2018 File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 5 Parallel bars (Martin Rulsch) 22.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 5 Parallel bars (Martin Rulsch) 23.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 5 Parallel bars (Martin Rulsch) 24.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 5 Parallel bars (Martin Rulsch) 26.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 5 Parallel bars (Martin Rulsch) 28.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 5 Parallel bars (Martin Rulsch) 29.jpg


E

;EGR: Abbreviation for element group requirements. ;Element group requirements: Under the current Code of Points, the specific required skills, or skill families, a gymnast must show at some point in their routine on each event. For instance, on uneven bars, one of the EGRs is a release move. Currently, five EGR skills are required on every event. ;Elite: The highest competitive level in gymnastics, or a gymnast who competes at the highest level. The term is used in the US, Australia, and some other nations, but is not universal. ;Elementary gymnastics: The type of gymnastics that older gymnasts in training use. It helps them to understand the elements and way of gymnastics. ; Elbow stand: An inverted pose in which the body is supported on only forearms.


F

;
Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique The International Gymnastics Federation (French: Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, FIG) is the body governing all disciplines of competitive gymnastics. Its headquarters is in Lausanne, Switzerland. It was founded on July 23, 1881, in ...
: The international sports governing body for gymnastics. Its name is commonly abbreviated as "FIG". ;Flight series: On
balance beam The balance beam is a rectangular artistic gymnastics apparatus and an event performed using the apparatus. Both the apparatus and the event are sometimes simply referred to as "beam". The English abbreviation for the event in gymnastics scoring i ...
, a series of acrobatic skills performed in combination from one end of the beam to the other. ; Flip: A move where the gymnast will jump from a handstand;forwards or backward landing facing the same direction ;
Floor A floor is the bottom surface of a room or vehicle. Floors vary from simple dirt in a cave to many layered surfaces made with modern technology. Floors may be stone, wood, bamboo, metal or any other material that can support the expected load ...
: A gymnastics apparatus used by men and women in artistic gymnastics. The event performed upon this apparatus is known as Floor Exercise. ;
Floor exercise In gymnastics, the floor is a specially prepared exercise surface, which is considered an apparatus. It is used by both male and female gymnasts. The gymnastics event performed on the floor is called floor exercise. The English abbreviation for t ...
: The event performed on the floor apparatus. Men and women perform choreographed routines that include tumbling and acrobatic skills. ; Freestyle gymnastics: A fusion of traditional gymnastic and acrobatic tricks, with kicks and leaps inspired by
martial arts Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defense; military and law enforcement applications; competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; and the preser ...
,
parkour Parkour () is an athletic training discipline or sport in which practitioners (called ''traceurs'') attempt to get from point A to point B in the fastest and most efficient way possible, without assisting equipment and often while performing ...
and
free running Freerunning is an athletic and acrobatic discipline incorporating an aesthetic element, and can be considered either a sport or a performance art, or both. Freerunning is similar to parkour, from which it is derived, but emphasizes artistry over ...
. It captures the power and explosive nature of freestyle activities in sport and brings them indoors, performed on a range of purpose built equipment with associated training techniques. ; Front handspring :A gymnastics move in which the gymnast takes a running start, then places their hands as if a handstand. They kick one leg over, push off the ground, and come back up. ; Front tuck: The act of running, jumping off of 2 feet, turning in mid-air, and landing on the ground on two feet. ; FX: The scoring abbreviation for floor exercise. ;Full: A flip that turns fully in mid air.


G

; Gainer: A gymnastics skill in which a gymnast performs a backwards flip while moving forward. ;Grip: See ''
hand guard Hand guards are devices worn by athletes in artistic gymnastics. Various types of hand guards are used by gymnasts: * Grips are used on the uneven bars, high bar, still rings and parallel bars to enhance the gymnast's grip and, in the case of ...
''. ;
Gymnastics Gymnastics is a type of sport that includes physical exercises requiring balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, dedication and endurance. The movements involved in gymnastics contribute to the development of the arms, legs, s ...
: A sport involving performance of exercises requiring physical strength, agility and coordination. It evolved from exercises used by the ancient Greeks, including skills for mounting and dismounting a horse, and circus eating skills ;
Giant In folklore, giants (from Ancient Greek: ''gigas'', cognate giga-) are beings of human-like appearance, but are at times prodigious in size and strength or bear an otherwise notable appearance. The word ''giant'' is first attested in 1297 fr ...
: When casting into a handstand position and making a full rotation around the bar while the body is kept in a straight line. ;Good leg
split Split(s) or The Split may refer to: Places * Split, Croatia, the largest coastal city in Croatia * Split Island, Canada, an island in the Hudson Bay * Split Island, Falkland Islands * Split Island, Fiji, better known as Hạfliua Arts, entertai ...
: A split with the gymnast's stronger leg forward.


H

;
Hand guard Hand guards are devices worn by athletes in artistic gymnastics. Various types of hand guards are used by gymnasts: * Grips are used on the uneven bars, high bar, still rings and parallel bars to enhance the gymnast's grip and, in the case of ...
: A glove or wrist strap worn by gymnasts to protect the skin on their hands when they perform upon apparatuses. ;Hanging position: Initial position of the gymnasts before the exercise. Only on still rings and horizontal bar, the gymnast is guaranteed the right to be assisted to the hanging position by a coach or gymnast. ;HB: The scoring abbreviation for horizontal (or high) bar. ;High bar: See ''horizontal bar''. ;Hit: To perform a routine or skill to the best of one's ability, with no major errors or deductions. ''Example:'' "He hit the dismount.": May also be used as an adjective to describe a routine performed well. ; Hoop: A gymnastics apparatus used in rhythmic gymnastics. It is a hollow hoop with an interior diameter of 80 to 90 cm. ;
Horizontal bar The horizontal bar, also known as the high bar, is an apparatus used by male gymnasts in artistic gymnastics. It traditionally consists of a cylindrical metal (typically steel) bar that is rigidly held above and parallel to the floor by a syste ...
: A gymnastics apparatus used by men in artistic gymnasts. It consists of one 2.4m bar upon which gymnasts perform skills. It is also known as ''high bar''. ;
Handstand __NOTOC__ A handstand is the act of supporting the body in a stable, inverted vertical position by balancing on the hands. In a basic handstand, the body is held straight with arms and legs fully extended, with hands spaced approximately shoulder- ...
: To stand inverted straight up with squeezed vertical body tension, with hands as a base support on floor. 2018-10-11 Gymnastics at 2018 Summer Youth Olympics – Boys' Artistic Gymnastics – All-around final – Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 0672.jpg, Gymnast sends a signal to the jury that he is ready for the exercise 2018-10-11 Gymnastics at 2018 Summer Youth Olympics – Boys' Artistic Gymnastics – All-around final – Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 0673.jpg, Coach takes position behind the gymnast 2018-10-11 Gymnastics at 2018 Summer Youth Olympics – Boys' Artistic Gymnastics – All-around final – Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 0674.jpg, Gymnast and coach prepare to reach out to the hanging position 2018-10-11 Gymnastics at 2018 Summer Youth Olympics – Boys' Artistic Gymnastics – All-around final – Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 0675.jpg, After the gymnast jumped up, the coach assists the gymnast by lifting him up 2018-10-11 Gymnastics at 2018 Summer Youth Olympics – Boys' Artistic Gymnastics – All-around final – Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 0676.jpg, Gymnast graps the apparatus (here: horizontal bar), afterwards the coach steps back 2018-10-11 Gymnastics at 2018 Summer Youth Olympics – Boys' Artistic Gymnastics – All-around final – Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 0677.jpg, The gymnast has reached the hanging position and is ready to start the exercise


I

; Indian clubs: A type of exercise equipment used to present resistance in movement to develop strength and mobility, originated in the Indian subcontinent. ;
Illusion An illusion is a distortion of the senses, which can reveal how the mind normally organizes and interprets sensory stimulation. Although illusions distort the human perception of reality, they are generally shared by most people. Illusions may oc ...
: A challenging move that is performed by spinning on one foot with the chest at the ground.


J

;Junior: A world-class/elite gymnast who is too young to compete as a senior, usually between the ages of 13 and 15. ;
Judges A judge is an official who presides over a court. Judge or Judges may also refer to: Roles *Judge, an alternative name for an adjudicator in a competition in theatre, music, sport, etc. *Judge, an alternative name/aviator call sign for a membe ...
: Trained professionals who judge gymnasts on their skills on each apparatus. ;
Jumps Jumping or leaping is a form of locomotion or movement in which an organism or non-living (e.g., robotics, robotic) mechanical system propels itself through the air along a ballistic trajectory. Jumping can be distinguished from running, gallo ...
: A straight, tucked, piked, straddle or split jump


K

;
Kip Kip, KIP or kips may refer to: Athletics * Kip (artistic gymnastics), a basic skill on the women's uneven bars * Kip (trampolining), a coaching skill used in trampolining * Kip-up, an acrobatic manoeuvre used in martial arts and gymnastics People ...
: A basic skill in
artistic gymnastics Artistic gymnastics is a discipline of gymnastics in which athletes perform short routines on different apparatuses. The sport is governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), which designs the Code of Points and regulates ...
on the uneven bars that is used at a way of getting on the bar in a front support position or a handstand from a hanging or standing position. ;
Kip Kip, KIP or kips may refer to: Athletics * Kip (artistic gymnastics), a basic skill on the women's uneven bars * Kip (trampolining), a coaching skill used in trampolining * Kip-up, an acrobatic manoeuvre used in martial arts and gymnastics People ...
: A training skill in
trampolining Trampolining or trampoline gymnastics is a competitive Olympic sport in which athletes perform acrobatics while bouncing on a trampoline. In competition, these can include simple jumps in the straight, pike, tuck, or straddle position to more co ...
. ;Kolman: A full-twisting Kovacs with two back somersaults and one full twist over the bar, after Alojz Kolman (Slovenia). ;Kolyvanov: From side support on end – flair or circle to handstand and travel 3/3 with 5/4 (450°) or more turn. Named after Alexander Kolyvanov. ;Kovacs: Double salto backward over the bar. Named after Péter Kovács (see article for execution). File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 223.jpg, Performed by a young gymnast during at the
2019 Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships The 2019 Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships were the inaugural Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships. They were held in Győr, Hungary from 27 June to 30 June 2019. Competition schedule Qualifiers Countries that qualifie ...
File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 224.jpg File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 225.jpg File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 226.jpg File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 227.jpg File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 228.jpg File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 229.jpg File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 230.jpg File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 231.jpg File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 232.jpg File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 233.jpg File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 234.jpg File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 235.jpg File:2019-06-27 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's All-around competition Subdivision 4 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 236.jpg File:2019-06-30 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's Apparatus finals Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 062.jpg, Performed by the same gymnast, different angle File:2019-06-30 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's Apparatus finals Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 063.jpg File:2019-06-30 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's Apparatus finals Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 064.jpg File:2019-06-30 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's Apparatus finals Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 065.jpg File:2019-06-30 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's Apparatus finals Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 066.jpg File:2019-06-30 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's Apparatus finals Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 067.jpg File:2019-06-30 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's Apparatus finals Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 068.jpg File:2019-06-30 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Men's Apparatus finals Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 069.jpg
File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 320.jpg, Performed by a young gymnast during the training at the Austrian Future Cup 2018 File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 321.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 322.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 323.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 324.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 325.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 326.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 327.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 328.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 329.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 330.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 331.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 332.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-23 Training Afternoon Pommel horse (Martin Rulsch) 333.jpg


L

;Layout: A position in which the gymnast's body is completely stretched, toes pointed and legs straight. A layout in tumbling,
vault Vault may refer to: * Jumping, the act of propelling oneself upwards Architecture * Vault (architecture), an arched form above an enclosed space * Bank vault, a reinforced room or compartment where valuables are stored * Burial vault (enclosure ...
, or
balance beam The balance beam is a rectangular artistic gymnastics apparatus and an event performed using the apparatus. Both the apparatus and the event are sometimes simply referred to as "beam". The English abbreviation for the event in gymnastics scoring i ...
is a salto performed in this position. In some countries, layout saltos are referred to as "straights" (e.g., "he performed a double straight"). ;
Leotard A leotard () is a unisex skin-tight one-piece garment that covers the torso from the crotch to the shoulder. The garment was made famous by the French acrobatic performer Jules Léotard (1838–1870). There are sleeveless, short-sleeved, an ...
: A piece of clothing that comes in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, and is used for gymnastics workouts and competitions. ;
L-sit {{Unreferenced, date=September 2011 The L-sit is an acrobatic body position in which all body weight rests on the hands, with the torso held in a slightly forward-leaning orientation, with legs held horizontally so that each leg forms a nominal r ...


M

;Manna: A strength move pressing with the hands where the legs and hips are raised until the hips are above the shoulders and the legs are parallel to the floor.YouTube
demonstration video, uploaded 2008-04-16. (
photos A photograph (also known as a photo, image, or picture) is an image created by light falling on a photosensitive surface, usually photographic film or an electronic image sensor, such as a CCD or a CMOS chip. Most photographs are now create ...
) ;
Master of Sport Unified Sports Classification System of the USSR (russian: Единая Всесоюзная спортивная классификация) is a document which provided general Soviet physical education system requirements for both athletes an ...
: The term used to refer to a gymnast competing at the highest level of the sport in the USSR. Still used in Russia and other former Soviet republics. ; Mat: Safety equipment used in gymnastics to break falls. ;Meet: A commonly used term for a gymnastics competition. ;Middle: In acrobatic gymnastics, the role in group competition that requires a combination of strength, balance, flexibility and power. ;Mount: The act of getting onto an apparatus and the skill used to do it. File:2022-06-05 Max Krüger at SMJ Kunstturnen 2022 P4 Competition (Martin Rulsch) 126.jpg, Manna performed by the
artistic gymnast Artistic gymnastics is a discipline of gymnastics in which athletes perform short routines on different apparatuses. The sport is governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), which designs the Code of Points and regulates ...
Max Krüger at the Swiss Junior Gymnastics Championships 2022 in Lugano, crosswise angle File:2019-05-26 Budapest Cup age group III apparatus finals floor exercise (Martin Rulsch) 005.jpg, Manna performed by the artistic gymnast Achille Andrea Montrasio at the 5th International Junior Budapest Cup 2019, lengthwise angle File:24th Rheintalcup 2019-04-13 Silas Dittmann (Norman Seibert) - 05768 (cropped).jpg, Straddle before Manna performed by the artistic gymnast Silas Dittmann at the 24th Rheintalcup 2019 File:2019-04-13 Rheintalcup P6 Junior Switzerland competition floor (Martin Rulsch) 160.jpg, Different angle of the same straddle before Manna File:24th Rheintalcup 2019-04-13 Silas Dittmann (Norman Seibert) - 05771 (cropped).jpg, Manna performed by the artistic gymnast Silas Dittmann at the 24th Rheintalcup 2019 File:2019-04-13 Rheintalcup P6 Junior Switzerland competition floor (Martin Rulsch) 161.jpg, Different angle of the same Manna


N

;Neutral deduction: A score deduction which is taken as a penalty for violations of rules not related directly to the gymnasts' performance, for instance, failure to adhere to required standards of competition attire. Neutral deductions may be applied against a team's cumulative score as well as against individual gymnasts. ;Number: See '' bib.'' ;Needle: To put two hands on the floor and one leg on the floor, then kick the other leg into a full split. ;No handed forward roll: very self explanatory


O

;OOB: Abbreviation for out of bounds. ;Out of bounds: Situation on
floor exercise In gymnastics, the floor is a specially prepared exercise surface, which is considered an apparatus. It is used by both male and female gymnasts. The gymnastics event performed on the floor is called floor exercise. The English abbreviation for t ...
or
Vault (gymnastics) The vault is an artistic gymnastics apparatus which gymnasts perform on, as well as the skill performed using that apparatus. Vaulting is also the action of performing a vault. Both male and female gymnasts perform the vault. The English abbreviat ...
when a gymnast crosses the line indicating the border of the mat, resulting in a score deduction. ;Onodi: A backhandspring with a half turn mid air, in which a gymnast finishes with a front walkover. ;One-handed cartwheel: A regular cartwheel is performed, but one hand is placed and kept behind the back.


P

;
Parallel bars Parallel bars are floor apparatus consisting of two wooden bars slightly over long and positioned at roughly head height. Parallel bars are used in artistic gymnastics and also for physical therapy and home exercise. Gymnasts may optionally we ...
: A gymnastics apparatus used by men in artistic gymnastics. It consists of two 3.5m bars. ;PB: The scoring abbreviation for the parallel bars. ;PH: The scoring abbreviation for the pommel horse. ;Pike: a position where the body is bent only in the hips. ;
Pommel horse The pommel horse is an artistic gymnastics apparatus. Traditionally, it is used by only male gymnasts. Originally made of a metal frame with a wooden body and a leather cover, the modern pommel horse has a metal body covered with foam rubber and ...
: A gymnastics apparatus used by men in artistic gymnastics. It consists of a rectangular body and two pommels. ;Posture: Movement of the body ;Pullover: A move on bars in which the gymnast starts off the bar, then uses their arm strength to pull themself up and over the bar. ;Press hand stand: The gymnasts starts on the floor in a straddle, then pushes all their body weight onto their hands and presses into a handstand.


R

;Release move or release: Skill on the uneven bars, parallel bars or high bar in which the gymnast lets go of the apparatus, performs a skill in the air, and regrasps the bar. ;
Ribbon A ribbon or riband is a thin band of material, typically cloth but also plastic or sometimes metal, used primarily as decorative binding and tying. Cloth ribbons are made of natural materials such as silk, cotton, and jute and of synthetic mat ...
: A gymnastics apparatus used in rhythmic gymnastics. The ribbon is a long piece of material attached to a stick. ;Rings: See ''
still rings The rings, also known as still rings (in contrast to flying rings), is an artistic gymnastics apparatus and the event that uses it. It is traditionally used only by male gymnasts, due to its extreme upper body strength requirements. Gymnasts oft ...
''. ; Roundoff :A move similar to a cartwheel where the gymnast pushes off the ground and lands on two feet, facing the direction in which the move was initiated in. This move is often used to initiate a tumble. ; Roll: A roll is a rotation over an axis in the body over a surface. ;
Rope A rope is a group of yarns, plies, fibres, or strands that are twisted or braided together into a larger and stronger form. Ropes have tensile strength and so can be used for dragging and lifting. Rope is thicker and stronger than similarl ...
: A gymnastics apparatus used in rhythmic gymnastics. It is made of a material that retains the qualities of lightness and suppleness. It is knotted at the end. ;
Rhythmic gymnastics Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport in which gymnasts perform on a floor with an apparatus: hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon. The sport combines elements of gymnastics, dance and calisthenics; gymnasts must be strong, flexible, agile, dexterous and coord ...
: A discipline of gymnastics in which competitors manipulate apparatuses. The sport combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, theatrical dance, and apparatus manipulation. Athletes are scored on their leaps, balances, pivots, flexibility, apparatus handling, and artistic effect.


S

; Salto: A somersault. ;Score protest: A written complaint, submitted by the gymnast or their coaches or federation, to request reconsideration and possible revision of scores felt to be incorrect or unfair. Under FIG rules, protests must be filed immediately after the original score is reported, and before the end of the competition. ;Senior: A world-class/elite gymnast who is at least 16, or will be turning 16, within the calendar year. ;
Somersault A somersault (also ''flip'', ''heli'', and in gymnastics ''salto'') is an acrobatic exercise in which a person's body rotates 360° around a horizontal axis with the feet passing over the head. A somersault can be performed forwards, backwards ...
: A gymnastics maneuver in which a person rotates around the somersault axis, moving the feet over the head. ;Specialist: A gymnast who is especially strong on one or two events. A specialist often competes only on their specific events. ; Springboard: Gymnastics equipment required on vault, and used as an optional aid for mounts on parallel bars, balance beam and uneven bars. ;SR: The scoring abbreviation for the still rings. ;Start value: Under the pre-2006 ''Code of Points,'' the maximum score a gymnast could receive for a routine, after taking into consideration all bonus skills, combinations and fulfillment of required elements. The score was determined by subtracting deductions from the start value. ;Stick: To land an acrobatic skill, jump, or dismount perfectly, without any steps, stumbles or errors. ;
Still rings The rings, also known as still rings (in contrast to flying rings), is an artistic gymnastics apparatus and the event that uses it. It is traditionally used only by male gymnasts, due to its extreme upper body strength requirements. Gymnasts oft ...
: A gymnastics apparatus used by men in artistic gymnastics. It consists of two swinging hollow rings suspended by a frame. ;Straddle: A sitting position with the legs wide. It can also be performed at height. ;Stuck landing: A perfect landing, without any steps, stumbles or errors. ;SV: Abbreviation for start value. ;
Splits A split (commonly referred to as splits or the splits) is a physical position in which the legs are in line with each other and extended in opposite directions. Splits are commonly performed in various athletic activities, including dance, figu ...
: You go to the ground with one leg in front of you and one behind you


T

;Team final, or TF: A team of 6 gymnasts (or 5 gymnasts at the
2012 London Olympics The 2012 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the XXX Olympiad and also known as London 2012) was an international multi-sport event held from 27 July to 12 August 2012 in London, England, United Kingdom. The first event, the ...
), representing a country, for the team competition. ;Tkatchev: Swing forward and vault backward piked to hang. Named after Aleksandr Tkachyov. ; Toe shoes: Shoes commonly worn by rhythmic gymnasts to perform turns. ;Top: In acrobatic gymnastics, the role in pair and group competition that emphasizes flexibility and agility. The top is usually a younger, smaller athlete. ; Tsukahara: A vault and family of vaults. The vault consists of a half turn off the springboard onto the vault table, then a push backwards, usually into a back salto or layout. Any vault that has a handspring with ¼ – ½ turn onto the vault table into a salto backwards is classified as a Tsukahara vault. It is named after
Mitsuo Tsukahara Mitsuo Tsukahara (塚原 光男 ''Tsukahara Mitsuo'', born December 22, 1947) is a Japanese artistic gymnast. He was five times an Olympic Gold Medalist. He remained active in the sport after his retirement from competition. He served as vice p ...
. ;Tumbling: The acrobatic skills performed on
floor exercise In gymnastics, the floor is a specially prepared exercise surface, which is considered an apparatus. It is used by both male and female gymnasts. The gymnastics event performed on the floor is called floor exercise. The English abbreviation for t ...
and
balance beam The balance beam is a rectangular artistic gymnastics apparatus and an event performed using the apparatus. Both the apparatus and the event are sometimes simply referred to as "beam". The English abbreviation for the event in gymnastics scoring i ...
, such as back handsprings and saltos. Also, a specific discipline of gymnastics, performed on a 25-meter-long dynamic track, in which participants perform tumbling skills. ;Tumbling run, or tumbling pass: A series of acrobatic skills performed on floor from one corner of the mat to the other, typically beginning with a run and hurtle and ending with a major salto. ;Tuck: A jump with knees to chest. ;Twist: A
layout Layout may refer to: * Page layout, the arrangement of visual elements on a page ** Comprehensive layout (comp), a proposed page layout presented by a designer to their client * Layout (computing), the process of calculating the position of obj ...
with axial body rotation in addition to the fundamental rotation about the waist File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 402.jpg, Performed by
Matthew Boardman Matthew may refer to: * Matthew (given name) * Matthew (surname) * ''Matthew'' (ship), the replica of the ship sailed by John Cabot in 1497 * ''Matthew'' (album), a 2000 album by rapper Kool Keith * Matthew (elm cultivar), a cultivar of the Chi ...
at the Austrian Future Cup 2018 File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 403.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 404.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 405.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 406.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 407.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 408.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 409.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 410.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 411.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 412.jpg


V

;
Vault Vault may refer to: * Jumping, the act of propelling oneself upwards Architecture * Vault (architecture), an arched form above an enclosed space * Bank vault, a reinforced room or compartment where valuables are stored * Burial vault (enclosure ...
: A gymnastics apparatus used by both men and women in artistic gymnastics, or the skills performed upon it. ;Voronin: Back uprise and piked vault with 1/2 (180°) turn to hang. Named after
Mikhail Voronin Mikhail Yakovlevich Voronin (russian: Михаил Яковлевич Воронин; 26 March 1945 – 22 May 2004) was a Soviet and Russian gymnast who competed for the Soviet Union in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He won seven medals, inclu ...
. ;VT: The scoring abbreviation for "vault". File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 166.jpg, Performed by Evgeny Siminiuc at the Austrian Future Cup 2018 File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 167.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 169.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 171.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 172.jpg File:Austrian Future Cup 2018-11-24 Group 3 Rotation 6 Horizontal bar (Martin Rulsch) 173.jpg


W

; Warm-up: The period and techniques that aim to warm up the gymnasts muscles in order for them not to injure themselves while stretching or training. ;Waterfall :Go in to a handstand then tuck your chin and arch your back


Y

; Yurchenko loop: A balance beam skill in which the gymnasts stands sideways on the beam, dives backwards into a back handspring (the "loop"), grasps the beam, performs a back hip circle and ends up in a front support position, resting on the hands. It is named after
Natalia Yurchenko , nickname= , country= , formercountry= Russia , birth_date= , birth_place=Norilsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union , hometown=Russia , death_date= , death_place= , height=155 cm (5'1") , discipline=Artistic gymnastics , level=Senior Elite Gymnast , n ...
. ; Yurchenko vault: A vault and a family of vaults. It consists of a round-off onto the springboard and a back handspring onto the horse or vaulting table, followed by a salto. Any vault with a roundoff-back handspring entry is classified as a "Yurchenko-style" vault. It is named after
Natalia Yurchenko , nickname= , country= , formercountry= Russia , birth_date= , birth_place=Norilsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union , hometown=Russia , death_date= , death_place= , height=155 cm (5'1") , discipline=Artistic gymnastics , level=Senior Elite Gymnast , n ...
.


References

{{Glossaries of sports Gymnastics terms Gymnastics Gymnastics-related lists