Gymnastics floor exercises are part of a competitive gymnastics meet, as are exercises on the balance beam and uneven bars. Both men and women compete in floor exercises. The complexity and difficulty of floor exercises vary depending upon the gymnast's ability and level. Floor exercises demonstrate tumbling skills as well as grace, flexibility and strength.
The Floor
Gymnastics floor exercises require a 40 square-foot floor pad, with a taped-off 39 square-foot surface for the routine, according to Gymnastics Rescue. The gymnast performs the entire routine within the taped-off area to avoid point deductions. The floor is made of composite or wood, mounted on springs, then covered in closed cell foam and carpeting to create a bouncy, safe surface for the gymnast. This surface provides adequate space for complex tumbling passes and acrobatics.
Level
Gymnasts in levels one through six perform the same choreographed floor exercise in competition. No sanctioned official meets occur for levels one to three, but children may compete in fun meets or perform in noncompetitive exhibitions, and they will learn the set routine during gymnastics classes. Competitive floor exercises begin at level four. Level seven and higher gymnasts select their own music, routines and choreography, but specific elements must be included for a high-scoring routine.
Tumbling
Tumbling passes in the floor exercise become more difficult as the gymnast moves upward in level. More complex skills build upon basic ones, so the gymnast must perfect lower-level skills to learn harder ones. A level five floor routine includes a dive forward roll, a front handspring, a back extension roll, a back walkover, a roundoff and two back handsprings, according to The World of Gymnastics. The back walkover, roundoff and back handsprings are performed as a single tumbling pass. Jumps, kicks and dance moves connect the tumbling passes.
Dance and Acrobatics
Gymnasts are scored on more than just tumbling during the floor exercise. Each level has a number of required jumps, turns and kicks, including straddle jumps, stretch jumps, straight leg leaps and splits. Artistry, skill and use of the floor space are also scored during meets. Rhythm and timing is important, and the jumps, turns and tumbling passes are performed in time with the music.
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