The balance beam is one of four aspects of competition of the women's artistic gymnastics, including the vault, uneven bars and floor. The beam is an apparatus that is 10 cm wide and 5 m long, lifted 1.25 m above the floor, according to the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique. In just 90 seconds, a gymnast must use the entire length of the beam to demonstrate skills of flexibility and balance.
Turns
To earn maximum points, you must complete a 360-degree turn. To perform this trick, keep your body tight with your hips squared. Rise up on your toes -- a position known as a releve -- to complete the turn. You can also perform 180-degree turns on releve. You must show control from the moment you start the turn to when you finish it. Wobbling or falling off the beam can result in points deductions.
Splits
A leap that shows a 180-degree leg split must be performed on the balance beam to earn maximum points. Linking two leaps in a row help you to earn even more points. This trick requires strength, flexibility and balance. Judges look for height, and straight legs and back when you jump. Land with your legs together, balanced on the beams. Your goal is to keep the legs evenly separated, ensuring one leg is not extended higher than the other, to receive maximum points for this trick.
Flight Series
A flight series involves linking two or more acrobatic exercises together, like jumps and leaps. To earn maximum points for these tricks, you must show control and balance as you link the two exercises together. Tricks include split jumps, cartwheels and stretch jumps. Cartwheels help you to travel across the beam, which is a requirement for the balance beam. By linking as many aerobic tricks together as possible, you can earn even more points because of the increasing difficulty.
Mixed Series
A mixed series pairs a dance and acrobatic move together, and is a requirement for the balance beam. Dance moves include an arabesque trick, where you lift your leg backward to at least 45 degrees and hold the position for at least one second. A scale dance technique must be lifted higher than 45 degrees and held for one second. You can earn more points by linking these movements together and staying balanced.
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