When a gymnast is performing their level 4 gymnastics bar routine they will only use one bar, the low bar. A gymnast may use a mat or a spring board to mount the bar; this must be removed as soon as the gymnast mounts. If the gymnastics mat or spring board is not removed the gymnast will receive a deduction from her gymnastics bar routine score.

MAIN LEVEL 4 GYMNASTICS BAR SKILLS, REQUIREMENTS, AND DEDUCTIONS!

*Glide Swing- Must take off with two feet and land with two feet. Must have great body extension. Hands must remain on the bar between the glide and pullover.

*Pullover-Must pull over with two feet. Do not jump, hop, or step into the pullover. Make sure the landing is in a front support with straight arms and a tight body.

*Front Hip Circle-Maintain a straight hollow body. Must connect a small cast while coming out of the front hip circle.

*Shoot Through (Single Leg Squat Through)-Leg /foot cannot contact or touch the bar when shooting through. Show a stride support at the end of the shoot through (hands are the only thing touching the bar).

*Mill Circle (Forward Stride Circle)-Must show clear stride support at the beginning and end (only thing touching the bar is your hands). Do not hook knee on the bar when doing this skill. Be sure to  flip your hands backwards before doing this gymnastics bar skill.

*Cut Back- Be sure to change your hand position before cutting back. Keep arms straight and end in an extended front support when cutting back.

*Cast- Keep proper body alignment. Maintain a hollow, straight body from shoulders to toes.

*Back Hip Circle- Keep a straight hollow body position while maintaining hip/thigh contact on the bar the entire time. Must connect the back hip circle and underswing dismount.

*Underswing Dismount-Once again, maintain a straight hollow body with straight arms and a great body extension with flight. Stick your landing!

A gymnastics bar routine should not be choppy but should show connections and fluidity throughout the entire routine. Each gymnastics bar skill should lead to the next without any breaks in rhythm.



Gymnastics grips are extremely important for gymnasts, especially upper level gymnasts. Grips are a piece of leather that covers and protects the gymnast’s hands. they are only used for gymnastics uneven bars. Gymnastics grips are very important for several different reasons. They allow a gymnast to grasp the bar better which reduce the risk of peeling off (slipping off the bar). Gymnastics grips also protect the gymnast’s hands from getting many rips (calluses peeling off).

There are two different types of grips; dowel and palm. Palm grips only cover the gymnast’s palms, hence the name. They are mainly used for non competitive beginners that do not have hard bar skills. Dowel grips on the other hand, cover the palm and fingers; these are mainly used by higher level competitive gymnast that work swing and release skills.

Palm Grips

Dowel Grips

Gymnastics grips are usually secured by buckles or velcro around the gymnast’s wrists. Palm grips usually velcro around the wrist making it easier for younger kids to take them on and off. While dowel grips usually buckle. This makes them stronger and less likely to slip or come on done when performing harder skills on the gymnastics uneven bars. Usually each gymnast has their own preference, either velcro or buckles.

Not every gymnast wears grips. Some gymnasts like grips while others dislike them so much they refuse to wear them. Grips are not mandatory for gymnastics bars but can help in many ways. While some gymnasts believe they are a nuisance and just get in their way.

Usually kids don’t start wearing grips until they are doing harder swing and release skills on the gymnastics bars. While some gymnasts wear grips early on so they get use to them. The decisions of grips are usually up to the coach. He/she will decide if or if not the gymnast should wear them. If they decide they are needed, they will pick which kind, palm grip or dowel grips, based on your skill level.

There are many different grip sizes. So if you coach decides gymnastics grips are right for you he will measure your hand to make sure you get the correct grip size.

If you are going to start wearing gymnastics grips don’t forget to purchase wrist bands. Wrist bands will keep the grips from slipping up and down on your wrist. They also keep the gymnastics grips from rubbing and digging into one’s skin.