What skills are needed for Level 4 gymnastics?

Level 4 is an intermediate compulsory level. Key skills include: front handspring over the vault table, glide kip and cast to horizontal on bars, cartwheel and split jump on beam, and back walkover and round-off plus double back handspring on floor.

What is the difference between compulsory and optional gymnastics?

In compulsory levels (1-5), every gymnast performs the same set routine. Judges compare execution against the standard. In optional levels (6-10), gymnasts create their own routines within composition requirements, and are judged on difficulty, execution, and artistry.

What is XCel gymnastics?

XCel is an alternative competitive gymnastics program with its own level progression from Bronze through Sapphire. It offers a different path than the traditional Development Program (Levels 1-10), with its own composition requirements and a focus on building skills in a competitive but supportive environment.

Gymnastics Levels Explained — Level 1 to 10 & XCel Guide

Q: What are the gymnastics levels in order?

USA Gymnastics has two programs. The Development Program goes Level 1 through Level 10 — Levels 1-5 are compulsory (everyone does the same routine) and Levels 6-10 are optional (gymnasts create their own). The XCel Program goes Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Sapphire.

USA Gymnastics has two programs: the Development Program (Levels 1–10) and the XCel Program (Bronze through Sapphire). Levels 1–5 are compulsory (everyone does the same routine), and Levels 6–10 are optional (gymnasts create their own). Here's what to expect at each level.

Compulsory Levels (1–5)

Everyone does the same routine. Focus on mastering fundamentals.

Level 1 Compulsory

The very beginning! Gymnasts learn basic shapes, positions, and how to move with control.

Judges look for: Body alignment, pointed toes, straight legs, controlled landings

Vault

Straight jump onto mat stack, kick to handstand

Bars

Pullover, cast, back hip circle, underswing dismount

Beam

Walks, relevés, arabesque, straight jump, cartwheel

Floor

Forward roll, backward roll, cartwheel, handstand

Level 2 Compulsory

Building on the basics with more defined skills. Still a set routine, but skills are getting real!

Judges look for: Rhythm, body shapes, pointed toes, straight legs, held positions

Level 3 Compulsory

The first really competitive compulsory level. Skills are more complex and choreography is specific.

Judges look for: Compulsory choreography, timing, amplitude, body position

Level 4 Compulsory

Intermediate compulsory with more advanced skills and connections. Things start getting exciting!

Judges look for: Cast height, kip technique, body tension, rhythm, leap amplitude

Vault

Front handspring over vault table

Bars

Glide kip, cast to horizontal, squat-on, jump to high bar

Beam

Cartwheel, half turn, split jump, cross handstand, scale

Floor

Back walkover, front handspring, round-off + double back handspring

Level 5 Compulsory

The highest compulsory level and last stop before creating your own routines. The most complex set routines!

Judges look for: Handstand positions, straight arms, amplitude, rhythm, difficulty execution

Vault

Front handspring with distinct preflight and powerful block

Bars

Glide kip, cast above horizontal, clear hip, flyaway dismount

Beam

Acro choice, full turn, split jump + sissonné, back salto dismount

Floor

Opening salto/aerial, front handsprings, round-off + BHS + back tuck

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Optional Levels (6–10)

Gymnasts create their own routines. Difficulty, composition, and artistry matter.

Level 6 Optional

Your first optional level! Create your own routine within composition requirements. Time to show personality!

Judges look for: Composition requirements, execution quality, artistry basics

Level 7 Optional

Intermediate optional with higher skill values. B-level skills required and connection bonuses available!

Judges look for: Skill quality, connection fluency, amplitude, artistry, rhythm

Level 8–10 Optional

Advanced optional through elite prep. B, C, and D-level skills required. Artistry and composition heavily judged alongside difficulty.

Judges look for: Virtuosity, difficulty execution, connection bonuses, artistry, polish

Detailed scoring formulas, start values, value parts, and composition requirements for Levels 6–10 available inside BeamIQ.

XCel Program

Alternative competitive track with its own level progression.

Bronze XCel

The starting point for XCel! A-level skills only with simpler composition requirements. Great for building confidence.

Judges look for: Basic form, body alignment, controlled landings

Silver XCel

Building skills with A and B dance elements. More requirements but still a friendly competitive environment.

Gold → XCel

Intermediate XCel with real composition expectations. B-level skills become the standard.

Judges look for: B-skill execution, connections, dance quality

See full XCel Gold requirements →

Platinum • Diamond • Sapphire XCel

Advanced XCel divisions approaching Development Program complexity. Salto vaults, C-level skills, and connection bonuses.

Full requirements for every XCel level — vault charts, composition checklists, and scoring details — available inside BeamIQ.

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Sample Score Breakdown →

See a real routine analyzed with every deduction explained.

Meet Prep Report →

Track all four events and get a focused practice plan.

Deductions Guide →

Every execution deduction with exact amounts.

XCel Gold Requirements →

Composition requirements for all four events.

For educational purposes only. Always check with your coach for the latest requirements.