Optional Gymnastics

Training and Competition

Optional competition allows coaches and gymnasts to choose which specific skills they compete on each event and allow them to choose their own floor music. Theoretically this allows them to showcase their talents and minimize their weaknesses. USAG optional competition levels include Level 7, Level 8, Level 9 and Level 10.

No Freedom of Choice

Coaches used to be able to place new competitive gymnasts at whatever level they decided the gymnast should compete, including at the optional level. For liability reasons, USA Gymnastics no longer allows this and gymnasts must first compete and score out of the Level 5 and Level 6 compulsory levels to reach the first optional level.

Skill and Combination Requirements

Each optional level has its own specific and general skill and combination requirements which optional gymnasts must meet to avoid deductions. Optional level skills are all rated at some difficulty from the lowest (and theoretically easiest) to the most difficult (A to Super E). Certain optional levels are restricted from competing some of the more difficult skill levels.

Where Did the Originality Go

Current combinational requirements seem however to have limited choices and the amount of time which could be devoted to individual and original skills. Uneven skill rating assignments have resulted in many coaches and gymnasts choosing the easiest skills necessary to meet difficulty requirements. The combination of these two factors has resulted in many similar looking routines and a noticeable lack of originality at even the highest levels of the sport

Purpose – Elite Training

Their goals may affect the training of optional gymnasts. For those who have really chosen the Olympics as a personal goal, training must, of necessity move forward ever learning and perfecting new and more difficult skills.

Level 7

Current Level 7 rules limiting the performance of certain levels of more difficult skills and the requirements of the inclusion of certain skills limit the usefulness of Level 7 in Elite development. For example, Level 7 vaulting is restricted to handspring vaults and other vaults which are not useful progressions to higher level vaulting.

Level 9

Recent changes in Level 9 rules allowing gymnasts to perform all the difficulty allowed in Level 10, but without rewarding that difficulty with bonus points clouds or inhibits any motivation to perform or achieve more difficult skills than the minimums. This is not an advantageous strategy for those who look to achieve the Elite level. The East – West format of Level 9 Nationals does not allow gymnasts at this level to see the entire range of competition at this level.

Levels 8 and 10

This leaves Levels 8 and 10 as the most legitimate and useful optional levels of competition for those interested in making Elite. Success at Level 10 can also be a ticket for a gymnastics college scholarship.

Gymnastics – An End and Reward in Itself

For those gymnasts, for whom, gymnastics competition is an end in itself, personal development and mastery of gymnastics skills and apparatus provide a reward in itself. The personal confidence that gymnastics develops in individual athletes is a reward in itself.

Some Guidance:

We have already completed e-Books for Level 7 and Level 8 appropriately named – Secrets to Level 7 Gymnastics and Secrets to Level 8 Gymnastics.

Retail Price: $57 On Sale for only $47! This e-Book is delivered Immediately. Start learning today… Or click: Secrets to Level 7 Gymnastics for more information!	Retail Price: $57 On Sale for only $47! This e-Book is delivered Immediately. Start learning today… Or click: Secrets to Level 8 Gymnastics for more information!