Gymnastics Terms
Instructions: Flip your way through the vocabulary of gymnastics!
- 1.
In gymnastics, what is a 'salto'?
AA split on the balance beamBA type of handstandCA balance pose on one footDA flip or somersault performed in the air - 2.
What is the 'vault' in gymnastics?
AA type of floor exerciseBA storage room for equipmentCA balance beam routineDAn event where gymnasts sprint, jump off a springboard, and perform acrobatic moves over an apparatus - 3.
In gymnastics, what does 'stick the landing' mean?
ALanding on a sticky matBLanding firmly without any steps, hops, or wobblesCUsing adhesive on the handsDLanding on a wooden surface - 4.
What is a 'Yurchenko' in gymnastics?
AA parallel bars dismountBA type of balance beam routineCA vault technique involving a round-off entry onto the springboard and back handspring onto the tableDA floor exercise named after a gymnast - 5.
In gymnastics, what is a 'pike' position?
AA position where the body is straight and rigidBA position with the body bent at the hips with straight legsCA position with knees bent to the chestDA position with arms extended overhead - 6.
What is a 'pommel horse' in gymnastics?
AAn apparatus with two handles on top used for swinging and circling routinesBA padded floor for landingCA type of running exerciseDA live horse used in equestrian gymnastics - 7.
In gymnastics, what is a 'dismount'?
AFalling off the apparatusBThe final skill performed when leaving an apparatusCRemoving equipment after competitionDA rest between routines - 8.
What does 'D-score' (difficulty score) represent in gymnastics?
AThe total value of all skills performed in a routineBA dancer's evaluationCThe starting score before deductionsDThe deduction points taken away - 9.
In gymnastics, what is a 'tuck' position?
AA position with legs spread wideBA position with arms tucked to the sidesCA compact position with knees pulled tightly to the chestDA standing position with good posture - 10.
What are the 'uneven bars' (or 'asymmetric bars') in gymnastics?
ABars that are different colorsBBars with unequal weightCA women's apparatus with two horizontal bars set at different heightsDPractice bars for beginners - 11.
In gymnastics, what is a 'layout' position?
AThe floor exercise patternBThe arrangement of equipment in the gymCA resting position between skillsDA position with the body fully extended and straight during an aerial skill - 12.
What does 'E-score' (execution score) evaluate in gymnastics?
AThe energy of the performanceBThe entertainment valueCHow well the skills are performed, with deductions for errorsDThe endurance shown in the routine - 13.
In gymnastics, what is a 'Tkachev'?
AA release move on bars where the gymnast flies backward over the barBA vault techniqueCA balance beam dance elementDA floor tumbling pass - 14.
What is 'chalk' used for in gymnastics?
ADrawing lines on the floorBAbsorbing moisture and improving grip on the handsCColoring the balance beamDMarking scores on a board - 15.
In gymnastics, what is a 'kip'?
AA technique to pull oneself up to a support position on the barsBA jump from both feetCA type of cartwheelDA short nap between events
Answer Key
A salto is a flip or somersault performed in the air without hand support on the apparatus, and it can be done forward, backward, or sideways.
The vault is a gymnastics event where athletes sprint down a runway, launch off a springboard, push off a vaulting table, and perform acrobatic maneuvers before landing.
'Sticking the landing' means landing perfectly still with no extra steps, hops, or balance adjustments, which is critical for avoiding deductions in competition.
The Yurchenko is a vault technique developed by Natalia Yurchenko, involving a round-off onto the springboard and a back handspring onto the vaulting table, followed by various aerial maneuvers.
The pike position involves bending at the hips while keeping the legs straight, forming a V-shape with the body. It is used in many jumps, dives, and acrobatic elements.
The pommel horse is a men's gymnastics apparatus featuring a padded body with two handles (pommels). Gymnasts perform continuous swinging movements, scissors, and circles.
A dismount is the final skill in a routine where the gymnast leaves the apparatus, often with an acrobatic element like a flip or twist, and attempts to stick the landing.
The D-score (difficulty score) is the sum of the difficulty values of all skills performed in a routine, plus connection bonuses and composition requirements.
The tuck position involves pulling the knees tightly toward the chest while in the air, creating a compact ball shape that allows faster rotation during flips.
The uneven bars is a women's artistic gymnastics apparatus consisting of two horizontal bars set at different heights, on which gymnasts perform swinging, release, and connecting skills.
A layout is an aerial position where the body is fully extended and straight from head to toe during flips and twists, considered more difficult than tuck or pike positions.
The E-score (execution score) starts at 10.0 and is reduced by deductions for errors in form, technique, and artistry, such as bent legs, steps on landing, or falls.
A Tkachev is a bar skill named after Alexander Tkachev, where the gymnast swings, releases the bar, flies backward over it in a straddle or layout position, and re-grasps the bar.
Gymnasts apply magnesium carbonate chalk to their hands (and sometimes feet) to absorb sweat and improve their grip on apparatus like bars, rings, and pommel horse.
A kip is a fundamental bar technique where a gymnast glides forward, brings their feet to the bar, and uses hip and arm action to pull up to a front support position on the bar.