Level 2 Gymnastics Requirements

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Level 2 Gymnastics Requirements with free printable checklist of skills

Level 2 Gymnastics Requirements with free printable checklist of skills

These are the skills that make up the Level 2 compulsory routines. Level 2 is the second level in the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic program
gymnastics level structure, but not all gyms compete it. Level 2 is not a required level; the first required level of competition is Level 4.


level 2 requirements updated thumbnail


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

Level 2 Vault Requirements

      • Jump to handstand on mat stack and fall to flat back

Level 2 Bars Requirements

      • Glide swing
      • Pullover
      • Cast
      • Back hip circle
      • 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.

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Level 2 Beam Requirements

      • Jump to front support mount
      • Arabesque to 30°
      • Pivot turn
      • Stretch jump
      • Cartwheel to side handstand dismount

Level 2 Floor Requirements

⭐ Our Top Equipment Picks for Level 2 Gymnasts

If you’re setting up safe at-home practice for Level 2, start here:

#1 Must-Have: Panel Mat


Best panel mat for home gymnastics

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

#2 Confidence Builder: Floor Beam

best floor beam for home practice

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Great for beam walks, pivot turns, jumps, and building balance confidence.

What to Practice at Home for Level 2

Skill: Cartwheel
Drills: Cartwheels on a line, kick over a panel mat
Why: Builds tumbling basics and straightness.
Skill: Handstand
Drills: Wall handstands, body line holds
Why: Foundation for nearly all gymnastics skills.
Skill: Bridge Kickover
Drills: Bridges, kickovers off a panel mat
Why: Builds shoulder flexibility + backward confidence.
Skill: Split Leap / Jump
Drills: Split stretches, jumps onto panel mat
Why: Improves leg flexibility + leap form.
Skill: Core & Bars Prep
Drills: Hollow holds, hanging knee raises
Why: Strengthens body control for pullover & bar shapes.

✨ Want structured at-home drills? Join SkillTrakker for daily practice plans designed to upgrade your Level 2 skills.

 

Check out a suggested gymnastics outfit for Level 2 gymnasts below.

Gymnastics Gear for Level 2 Gymnasts Sizes Description Price
Holographic Tie Dye Burst Leotard
holographic tie dye burst leotard
CS – AS This shiny, shimmery tie dye leotard features a burst with motivational words. $39.95

Check Current Price Here

Destira Black Gymnastics Compression Sport Shorts
gymnastics 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
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 2 Gymnastics

Q: What age do you have to be for Level 2 gymnastics?
A: There is no strict age requirement, but most gymnasts are 4-6 when they compete Level 2.

Q: Is Level 2 a required competitive level?
A: No. It is optional. Some gyms compete Level 2, others start at Level 3 or 4.

Q: What are the hardest skills in Level 2?
A: Common sticking points include the pullover on bars and the bridge kickover on floor.

Q: What should a Level 2 gymnast practice at home?
A: Focus on handstands, cartwheels, bridges, splits, basic core work, and balance on a line/floor beam.

Q: How do you move up from Level 2 to Level 3?
A: Gymnasts should master all Level 2 skills with good form, and meet their coach’s standards for strength and confidence.

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

Gymnastics Mom Checklist

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About the Author

Jessica is the founder of GymnasticsHQ, where she’s been sharing training tips and resources since 2011. A former gymnast with 8 years of coaching and 10 years of judging experience, she’s passionate about helping gymnasts reach their goals.

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256 Comments

  1. My problem is I was in a level 2/3 split class, and I could not get my backbend kickover, but my coach moved me to level3 anyways. And I still have trouble with the backbend kickover…..

    • Does anybody know anything about switching from xcel to JO because I am trying to but I am different levels on different events currently I am going to be competing Xcel Gold but I want to be in JO. I am level 4 on vault level 5 on bars and Level 6 on floor and beam

      • you should take tests on each level. coaches should know what level best fits you. i had that happen too. i was in xcel platinum and i switched to level 9. i was tested and they wanted me on their team! just whatever level they have you at, it is probably the best for you.

  2. I tumble locally and I am switching gyms to one a little more advanced and we disintegrated have levels at my old gym I am going to finish my last week perfecting these and then go to level 3 but my gym is only comp tumbling ✌

  3. I am 12 years old and want to start going back to gymnastics. I’ve mastered some skills, but have completely forgotten others. If I go back, will they put me with the little kids?

    • I am also 12, I am shy, and was scared to be with just little kids ( I didn’t want to be the oldest one at my level) but I was put with smaller kids , but I still love it! They are nice and funny and a good time. If you ever look at the older kids, do NOT compare them to you! A lot of people do this and end up sad (because they were the same age and weren’t as good as the higher levels) but a recommendation is be proud of them and when ever you see them doing all the big skills, just imagine you doing those skills! I’m sure you will love gymnastics no matter what(like me) it’s a good work out and can get hard at times but no matter what it’s a good time!!!!

    • Definitely not. Gymnastics is a sport for any age at all. I’m 9 and my sister is 2, and we both just started gymnastics.

    • When I try to do my back kickover, my wrists hurt REALLY bad! And I can’t do it fully on the ground. How do I do my back kickover without my wrists hurting, and fully on the ground?

      • It’s okay it’s takes time I started gymnastices when I was about 3/4 and now I’m 10 I’m a level 6 gymnast training 7 which IS so hard for a back bend try to get something soft and then try holding a bridge for about 30 seconds to a minute and it should help a little do that everyday for a week and do that around 10 times everyday.It should help you with backFlexibility and also when you try a back walk over this is just a little extra but if you try your back walk over try to lift 1 foot up and do it for a week and around 10 to 15 times a day and then try to kick over every time after you hold it for about 15-30 seconds

        your welcome for the help!!!!!!!!

      • a back bend kick over was a SUPER hard skill for me but what I did was do it on the wall and get lower and lower and then do it on a trampoline (if you don’t have one I would go to a friends house who has one or something) and do it then do it on the lowest thing you have and then try it on your own. it’s really hard at first but i recommend building your leg skills and splits which will help you kick over.

  4. I am 10. I’ve never really done gymnastics. According to this website I’m in level two. I want to start in a gym but I’m afraid I won’t be as good. Also I can’t get my kick over, otherwise I’m level 3.

  5. I am 13 and apparently a level 2… Because of my age I am scared to go to a gym. Should I be scared, and will I be with 2 year olds or my aged girls?

    • I am 13, but younger girls are still in my level. Just keep trying and don’t let age or height get in the way.

    • the level doesn’t mean the age, its the a skill level that you learn more things and it gets harder each level. For example, I’m 10 y/o (which this is true) and I’m in level 2. And you might get some girls same your age cuz I don’t have like any little 5 y/o in my xcel level.

    • You will probably be one of the oldest, but there could still be people in your level. But there will be no 2 year olds. The minimum age for Level 2 is 5. I think the average Level 2 is 9.

    • Definitely go to a gym. Even if you get put with the younger kids, you’ll excel! You have the maturity that the little kids don’t have, and the coaches will definitely notice that if you work hard.

    • Uh, actually, there are under levels for younger kids. You really only go into the actual competitive levels when you’re around 8-9-10. I was 9 when j went into level 1. I was 10 in level 2. Age doesn’t matter.

  6. i’m austrailan so it’s different i go to shire gymnastics i know how to do a backbend a back walkover a pullover a back hand spring im only 9 and there not teaching me hard stuff and i don’t have aquatment at home

  7. I don’t have any equipment at home and not allowed to do gymnastics inside in the winter so I only practice in the garden when I can

  8. I have been doing gymnastics since I was five and I am still struggling with the back walkover and kick over but I don’t have any equipment at home

  9. Very proud of my 7 yr old daughter started gymnatic,s a yr ago was fast tracked to elite squad ,she as done 2 coms winning gold silver and bronze ,her 3rd com is this coming Saturday, gd luck Charley K.
    You truly r an inspirational gymnas to all wanting to try the sport 😉

  10. I’m a self taught gymnast and I’m a kid. These requirements really help me see what I need to do so that I can rank myself. I’m a level 2 gymnast and I hope to one day go to a gymnastics center or take some classes. Thanks Gymnastics HQ!

  11. I’m a self taught gymnast and I started since I was seven and now I’m 11 I can do a back Limba but I want to be able to get my back handspring but i just can’t get my confidence. What should I do!!!!

    • I am 12 years old almost 13 and I want to do competitive gymnastics, but the gym I need to go to doesn’t start until level two. Does this mean that I have to be able to do these skills or will they teach me? Also, I am worried that I will be put with the 2 and 3 year old, so will I be made fun of? Please help.

      • There is a 100% chance you won’t be put with 2 and 3 year olds, because the minimum age for Level 2 is 5. Average is 9.

  12. Well, I’m struggling with a kick over, I can do a back bend fine it’s just the kick over, I don’t go to a gymnastics club but I’m trying to learn these because I’m going to one soon, and finally I don’t know if these requirements are right for the UK. Please let me know if they are.

  13. Does anyone know what level I am? I’m not on team but I want to be. Here are my hardest skills:
    FLOOR
    Round-off Back Handspring
    Front Tuck (work in progress but I can do it)
    Front Handspring
    Front Handspring Step-out Front Handspring
    Back Walkover
    Front Walkover
    BEAM
    Cartwheel
    Handstand
    Split Leap
    Scissors Mount
    Level 4 Dismount
    BARS
    Back Hip Circle
    Front Hip Circle (almost)
    Squat-on (work in progress)
    Pullover
    Back Hip Circle Undershoot
    Straddle Undershoot Dismount (almost)
    VAULT (disclaimer: my gym doesn’t let rec practice vault)
    Handstand Smash Down on a tall mat

    Thanks if you can help! I think either 2 or 3, maybe 4.

  14. I’m 12 and I have done gymnastics before but was no good at it I’m definitely not flexible so would I still be able to do gymnastics again

    • You can be flexible at any age. If you are serious about becoming more flexible and excelling in your levels, stretch DAILY! It cannot be a once or twice a week option. Serious gymnasts with a competition focus are working on their flexibility and skills on some level every single day.

  15. I’m not flexible and I’m 12 I have done gymnastics before but forget all my skills and don’t want to be with little kids that aren’t serious about the sport

  16. I almost have my kip! The cool thing about it is that I am recreational gymnast not competive.
    Next Sunday the head coach is going to watch me to see if I am good enough for the team!

  17. My gyms team try-outs are coming up I’m 12 and am a level 2/3 gymnast in recreational classes I want to make it to pre-team soooo bad but I can’t do any bar skills (pull-over, back hip circle, or strid circle) or the back handspring down the incline I can with a light spot but not on my own does anyone have any tips to inprove my bars skills and my back handspring in 2 weeks so I can move up to pre-team
    please help!

    • Try looking for tutorials on you tube and if you live in Canada maybe you might want watch Anna Mcnulty for a back handspring. Also try to believe in yourself my dad always told me this and I got many skills because everything comes from your brain. Even if that did not work for a pullover try to use all you strength that you have to go over and as time goes by don’t put a lot strength so you can connect skills.

      • hi! I love this comment! Anna helps so much y’all! You could also watch the Rybka twins. They help. I saw Anna filming with Jordan Matter in LA and I got to meet her. She is so nice.

    • What level would I be
      This is what I can do on floor
      1.cartwheel
      2.cartwheel in to handstand
      3.round of
      4.handstand in to round of
      5.round of in to cartwheel
      6.cartwheel in to round of
      7.cartwheel in to round of in to handstand
      8.handstand in to round of in to cartwheel
      9.round of in to cartwheel in to handstand
      10.round of in to handstand in to cartwheel
      11. Backbend
      And lots of other stuff

  18. I could do all those and all level 3, but I quit when I was six and lvl 2 and then I went back again, for one year, And was level 3 and now I don’t know whether I should go back to level 2 or 3. I am nine years old, and I am working on my front and back tuck on the ground.

  19. When you try your front walkover do a front limber but put your front leg first then the other leg second then get up .Then try that over and over again until your second leg doesn’t touch the floor when you get up front it

  20. I am a self taught gymnast and this really helped me I tried the tricks out on my trampoline and I did them. That was a couple years ago and I almost got my back handspring on the ground!!!!!!

  21. Hello. I am a gymnast that is in a Trampoline and Rumble class. I quit my other class like 2-3 years ago and it was a class with bars, beam, floor (tumbling), and tramps. I am now 12 and I’m in intermediate of Trampoline and Tumble. That means I can do a back handspring. I can’t do it though. I can do it on the tramps, but sometimes I get scared and can’t do it and most of the time I stand there for like ever and I need tips. I tried some things on the bar and I can do my pullover, my friend is teaching me a straddle dismount on the bar, a pike dismount on the bar, and a normal dismount. I can almost do the straddle dismount and kind-a do a pike dismount. I have lost my cartwheel on the beam that I used to ALMOST have. Anyone have ideas on what you think I might need to do to get on team? If I don’t go to team I’ll go advance onto the Advanced Tramp and Tumble class and after that is either elite (if they have it) or Trampoline Team. I really want to do team not becuase I watch people at my gym. When I did that old class of mine it didn’t help me much. I regret going out of it now because I could’ve just added a class to my week, I’ve lost most of my moves and I’m sad when I watch good people that are on team. I need tips ASAP and I really wanna be on a level or a team of any sort,

    • That’s really cool I’m a level five I can do a back tuck on the ground and round offs on the beam and I’m the best at bars I can do clear hit back keep circles and jump to high bar and I almost got my giant.

  22. I am still level two because I can’t do the back hip circle YET but almost I cna do everything else can I move to level three or should I wait till i get it?

  23. Happy gymnast-First of all I would say to ask your coach. It’s important to know what their thoughts are As a coach my self, I would like for my gymnasts to ask me first and then we could come up with a plan Next I would say that if you can do all of the other skills for level 2 then a back hip should not be giving you that much trouble. Look up some good drills on Pinterest. There are lots. I’ve used Pinterest for great conditioning ideas Wnen you cast , make sure you are in a nice, flat shape. Next, when you lean back, pull the bar into your thighs but keep your eyes on your toes when you lean back. Last, when you go around the bar shifting your hands the whole time, your keeping your chin down and your eyes on your toes. When you finish, you should finish in front support nice and high on you thighs, with your feet in front and your eyes still looking at them. Hope this helps!!!

    • If you’re having trouble with your key covers then try by pushing your armpits back when you’re in your bridge try it with a spot and use a wall to help you to get over your fear keep on doing it with a spot till they keep on helping you less and less then soon go into a safe spot and try the skill nothing will happen even if your fault and if you still can’t do it that’s probably because your shoulders aren’t strong enough or your back isn’t flexible

  24. i am twelve and i don’t go to gymnastics but practiced since ten i was wondering if i have all my skills in level 2 except my kick over willl i stilll be able to pass to level 3

  25. i am in level 1 and cant get backbend kickover ive watched EVERY youtube video there is i do 20 crunches 10 20 sec handstand holds and 20 lunges and 20 lemon squeezers EVERY DAY for the past month someoe give me tips also
    DONT SAY DO IT AT HIER SURFASE cus when i did 1 couch cusion insted of 2 i fell on my back
    HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Take your time and by the way get some stacked mats and master every single level then move down a little bit then try on that furniture till you get to the ground or you could try it with a spotter then ask them how much did they help you from one to 10 then let them spot you again then hopefully the number that you got is a lower than the first one and also make sure that your shoulders is strong and your back is flexible also push your armpits Back when you’re in the bridge and imagine that you’re kicking a ball with 1 foot and kick over as hard as he can remember perfect practice makes perfect

  26. I want to be level 3 team but I really bad at leaps on the beam and a few of my bar skills also a back handspring

    Help PLEASE

  27. So I am a level 2 gymnast and I am almost level 3 I just need my backbend kickover one of my best friends is in level 3 and she helps me get it at recess at school.i am starting at my local gym is 6 to 12 months! They’ll have to test me to see where they want me I’ve self taught myself since I stopped doing gymnastics 2 years ago

  28. I’m a self taught gymnast, i can do all the level 1 and 2 skills on the floor but i can’t do a pullover though i can do it with a spot or with a wall, i cant do a single pull up, help please 🙂

  29. I’m not in a level yet I can do all of these things and I got my backhandspring yesterday all you need to do is get a spotter

    I also got my kickover yesterday and I found that when I kick I put my head more between my hands i also asked mum to push my legs over sometmes

  30. I’m not in a level yet I can do all of these things and I got my back-handspring yesterday all you need to do is get a spotter

    I also got my kick-over yesterday and I found that when I kick I put my head more between my hands i also asked mum to push my legs over sometimes

  31. Help plz! So whenever I try a backhand spring I just flop on my back bc I’m to scared to jump back. My coaches won’t spot me bc they only focus on helping the competiton level 3’s and my parents won’t spot me and I don’t have a tramp at home or at the gym so plz help me get over the fear of jumping back for back handsprings! Im a competitive level 2 btw

  32. Help me plz! So I’m a level 2 competive gymnast and I need help with my back handspring. So whenever I try I flop on my back bc I’m scared to jump back 4 some reason. My coaches won’t spot me bc they only wanna help the Level 3 kids and my parents won’t spot me so I have to do this on my own. I don’t have a tramp at the gym or at home so plz help. Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Ty 4 reading!

  33. Help me plz! So I’m a level 2 competitive gymnast and I need help with my back handspring. So whenever I try I flop on my back bc I’m scared to jump back 4 some reason. My coaches won’t spot me bc they only wanna help the Level 3 kids and my parents won’t spot me so I have to do this on my own. I don’t have a tramp at the gym or home so plz help. Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Ty 4 reading!

  34. Help plz! So I’m a level 2 competitive gymnast trying to get my back handspring so I can move up to level 3. I can’t find anyone to spot me. My parents won’t and my coaches won’t. I have all the necessary skills but they r too focused on the level 3’s. I don’t have a trampoline at home or at the gym. My gym doesn’t have private lessons and I can’t go anywhere else so plz help me! Ty for reading

  35. I am practically level 5 – I only do floor though and I’m working towards my bhs but i can aerial and front handspring. Now im just confused about what level i am in!

    • If you can do a round off backhand spring backhand spring and a full turn and also a 90° split leap and jump then you’re ready for level four for level five you should also be able to do a back tuck

  36. I want to start a personal blog.. an online journal. I have no idea which blog website to start it with.. . anything I should know about having a blog and who to have one with?.

    • We don’t think you’re ever too old to start something new or re-start something you used to do, if you have the desire to!

  37. Hi I am trying to move up to level 3 and I just can’t get my splits and I am close on my middle but not Any else is there anyway you could help me?

  38. I struggle with the back handspring because I’m scared of going upside down yet I can do a front layout. I find in easy to do a front handspring tho.

  39. I have been in gymnastics before I can do level 4 stuff like back handspring and a back tuck but i can’t do a back hip circle and im not very flexible what level am I?

  40. Hi i can do the bridge/backbend but i find the kickover so hard. I have watched so many youtube tutorials telling me to use objects/platforms but it doesn’t work and I keep tumbling onto the thing.

  41. Im a level 5 gymnast and I’ll be giving y’all a tip to do your kickover, first try doing a kickover to handstand on wall. Next try doing it off ur bed. Last just do it. It’s very easy. U got it

  42. I’m a self taught gymnastic and I can’t do a kickover I can do 5he Bridge but I can’t kickover can I please have some tips to really be able to do it x

  43. I have a question. I’m mostly self taught and I have all the skills for level two but I don’t have my back handspring which is required for level three. So am I level 1 or 2 ?

    • I am 12 and I can do a pretty good amount of skills I am currently working on my standing back tuck so I am open for tips on that and I can help anyone that needs tips to

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