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Level 1 Gymnastics Requirements (2025) + Free Checklist



Level 1 gymnastics is the perfect starting point for young athletes beginning their journey through the
gymnastics levels. At this foundational compulsory level in the USAG program, gymnasts are introduced to basic skills that help them develop strength, coordination, flexibility, and confidence.



✅ This checklist and skills list has been checked and updated for the 2025 season.

Level 1 Vault Requirements

  • Stretch jump onto mat and then kick to handstand, fall to flat back

Level 1 Bars Requirements

  • Pullover
  • Cast
  • Back hip circle
  • Sole-circle dismount OR underswing dismount

Starting in Level 4, many gymnasts start wearing grips to protect their hands on bars. Check out our guide to
the best gymnastics grips.

Level 1 Beam Requirements

  • Jump to front support mount
  • Arabesque to 30 degrees
  • Needle kick
  • Relevé lock stand
  • Stretch jump
  • Cartwheel to 3/4 handstand dismount

Level 1 Floor Requirements

⭐ Our Top Equipment Picks for Level 1 Gymnasts

If you’re setting up safe at-home practice for Level 1, start here:

#1 Must-Have: Panel Mat



✅ Check Price on Amazon

Perfect for handstands, cartwheels, bridges, and safe landings.

#2 Confidence Builder: Floor Beam

✅ Check Price on Amazon

Great for straight jumps, needle kicks, balances, and building beam confidence.

What to Practice at Home for Level 1

Skill: Forward Roll
Drills: Down an incline mat, tuck rocks
Why: Builds body awareness and rolling confidence.
Skill: Cartwheel
Drills: Cartwheels on a line, cartwheel over a panel mat
Why: Introduces tumbling direction + side preference.
Skill: Handstand
Drills: Spider-man holds, wall walks
Why: Builds strength and body alignment.
Skill: Bridges
Drills: Bridge rocks, push-ups into bridge
Why: Improves flexibility for future kickovers.

✨ Want structured at-home drills? Join SkillTrakker for daily practice plans designed to upgrade your Level 1 skills.

 

Check out a suggested gymnastics outfit for Level 1 gymnasts below.

Gymnastics Gear for Level 1 Gymnasts Sizes Description Price
Colored Stripes Leotards
CS – AS So buttery soft and comfortable, this leotard is a must have in your gymnasts ever-growing collection! Available in coral, ocean and plum! $39.95

Check Current Price Here

Destira Black Gymnastics Compression Sport Shorts
Child XXS (3x) – Adult XL Some gymnasts prefer to wear shorts over their leotard, either for modesty, comfort, or for whatever reason. These are a great option! $28.00

Check Current Price Here

Beige Velvet Cotton Mid-Rise Waist Gymnastics Underwear

Kids 3-5 – Adult Large Great for your gymnast if she feels more comfortable wearing underwear under her leotard. Nude, high cut and seamless. $24.99

Check Current Price Here

Frequently Asked Questions about Level 1 Gymnastics

Q: What age do gymnasts usually start Level 1?
A: Most gymnasts are between 4–6 years old when beginning Level 1.

Q: Is Level 1 a required level of competition?
A: No. Level 1 is optional. Some gyms use it as an in-house or rec track before moving athletes into Level 2 or 3.

Q: What are the hardest Level 1 skills?
A: Many beginners find the pullover on bars and the cartwheel on beam/floor the most challenging.

Q: What should a Level 1 gymnast practice at home?
A: Focus on rolls, cartwheels, bridges, handstands, and balance drills on a floor beam or line.

Q: How do you move up from Level 1 to Level 2?
A: Gymnasts should master all Level 1 skills with good form and confidence before progressing.

Q: Where can we get structured home practice plans?
A: Programs like SkillTrakker provide daily drills and calendars to support steady progress.






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View Comments (218)

  • Thanks so much that was so helpful! I passed level 1! Even though I am stuck on level 2! I can't get my bridge back kick over!

      • Thank you so much♥️ helps so much but I'm 8 and I can't get bars beam or floors can you tell us what we can do when we don't have bars,beam, floors. Thanks ♥️

      • Dear gymnasticsHQ,
        I want to join the pre team at this gym but you have to do a begginer-intermediate class first and be gifted in. Here’s my issue, I can do all level 1 skills all level 2 skills (but the bridge kickover) and all the level 3 skills (but the backhandspring) I’ve been doing classes since I was 3 and now I’m 10 I’ve been very left behind in my gymnastics career all because I can’t do a bride kickover I can’t get my arms straight enogh to kickover. How can I get the gym to let me join the pre team (or at least do a eveoluation) to see that I’m capable of some much more then pullovers and casts, forward rolls and backwards rolls, arabesque’s and handstand dismounts, and handstand flat backs. At my old gym I could do a cartwheel on beam! I’ve been very left behind because of mean coaches
        HELP!!!!!!!!

        • Try watching Anna mcnulty vids on YouTube so you can stretch your back and shoulders then you be able to do that kinda stuff

  • Hi I'm eleven and I'm about to start gymnastics. I did it when I was 4-7 but I had to quit because of dance. I taught my self some stuff like walkovers, limbers and a front handspring but I don't know anything about bar vault. I completely forgot everything I learnt when I was little on them and I'm scared I'm gonna be put with the little kids because I'm bad at bar and vault.
    Is there anything I can do to practise bar and vault that I can do at home ??

    • hi Emma I was the same when I started as I am 12 ( my birthday is in 3 days ) as I was 7 and gonna be put with 2 yr olds ( lol) so I asked my coach and she put me in for private 1 to 1 lessons , just ask , don't be afraid :-)
      from Aliah , level 6

    • Same I’m 10 and I’ll be starting soon I’ve managed to teach myself most basic things (so cartwheel, handstand, backbend, walkover, splits etc..) but I’ve been struggling with the bar my whole life and I don’t know if I’m going to be put with the 3 year olds..

      • I’m like that to but now I can do stuff like jumping to high bar kips and cast just don’t be afraid at my gymnastics we have some bars above foam pit if your gym has that ask to do it on those bars if your scared it really helps also hope you enjoy gymnastics

    • I’m eleven too and about to start gymnastics, of you have monkey bars you can use those to practice bars and work on dismounts and you can also stack hard surfaces with pillows behind it for vault that’s what I do because I practice at home too. But if you have a front limber and all that I don’t think you’ll get put with little kids

  • ok I am a competitor in level 6 , as I started late 2012/early 2013 , this page first got me into competing , so this was really helpful , competition season is almost over , only a few more meets to go ... and I love this page soooooooooooooo much !!!
    from Aliah , level 6 . I cant wait for level 7!:-):-) :-) :-)

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