The floor exercise is one of the events that comprise a total artistic gymnastics program. In women’s competition, the other events are [balance beam](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-do-balance-beam-routines-with-simone-biles), [uneven bars](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/olympic-gymnast-simone-biles-basic-uneven-bars-drills), and the [vault](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-simone-biless-vaulting-techniques-and-vault-drills). In men’s competition, the other events are parallel bars, pommel horse, still rings, and the vault.

A floor exercise is set to music and involves gymnasts performing a series of tumbling and athletic feats interspersed with dance choreography. Judges look for versatile use of floor space, changes in the direction and level of movement, theatrics, dance elements, command of music, and height and distance of jumping and tumbling maneuvers. The floor routine lasts no more than 90 seconds and must cover the entire floor area. Judges require a minimum number leaps and turns in all floor routines.

The apparatus for floor exercise is a performance area measuring 1,200 centimeters x 1,200 centimeters (± 3 centimeters). Some gymnastics floors have springs to enable higher jumps; some do not. A spring floor is common in most competitive circumstances.

The floor exercise showcases the widest array of moves in both men’s and women’s gymnastics. Some highlights of the floor routine include:

1. __Back handspring__: a key tumbling move involving a backward flip into a handstand position, and then a forward flip back to your original standing position. [Learn more about the back handspring in our guide here](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-perform-simone-biless-back-handspring-drills).
2. __Front handspring__: the same as a back handspring, only the gymnast starts by running, and moves forward instead of backward. [Learn more about the front handspring in our guide, including front handspring drills, here](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-simone-biless-front-handspring-drill).
3. __Front walkover__: Similar to a front handspring, but in a front walkover, the gymnast’s legs move one after the other, resulting in a smooth, fluid motion. [Learn more about the front walkover here](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-simone-biless-front-walkover-drills). 
4. __Back walkover__: the reverse of a front walkover where once again the gymnast’s legs fluidly move one after the other.
5. __Somersault__: also known as a front somersault or forward somersault, this involves a forward flip along the floor with knees either tucked or in pike position.
6. __Backward somersault__: the reverse of a somersault, with tucked knees and a backward flip along the floor.
7. __Cartwheel__: a sideways rotation of the body where a gymnast begins in a standing position, rotates sideways with hands on the floor and legs in a split position, and continues rotating until once again in standing position.
8. __Roundoff__: a cartwheel-style maneuver that involves a half-rotation, a brief pause in a handstand position, and a return to the original standing position.
9. __Aerial cartwheel__: also known as a side aerial or just an aerial, this involves a cartwheel performed in midair, where hands do not touch the ground.
10. __Aerial walkover__: also known as a front aerial, it is similar to an aerial cartwheel in that the gymnast performs a complete revolution without touching the ground. Unlike a cartwheel an aerial walkover involves a forward tumble, not a sideways one.
11. __Straight jump__: A forward jump where the gymnast keeps straight legs during flight and when landing.
12. __Scissors leap__: Also called a switch leap, this is a forward leap where the legs move in a scissors-style motion.
13. __Split leap__: A running forward leap where the gymnast passes through split position while airborne.
14. __Cross handstand__: A variant on a handstand where the hands are planted close together on the ground.

In artistic gymnastics, which includes the floor exercise, gymnasts are judged by the Code of Points, a rule book issued by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) that outlines the point values of various skills in international competition. 

A gymnast’s final score is calculated from a start value, where the gymnast begins with the highest possible score and then has points deducted for elements that may have been lacking in their routine. A technical committee of judges determines these deductions.

In the past, FIG’s scores used to have a maximum value of 10—you’ve probably heard the expression “a perfect 10.” But in 2006, FIG altered its system to factor the difficulty of skills and routines into its scores. These days, the total score for a gymnast’s routine is actually the sum of two scores: the Difficulty Score (D) and the Execution Score (E). 

- __The Difficulty Score__ reflects the total difficulty value (DV) of skills plus the connection value (CV) and compositional requirements (CR). Two judges make up the D Panel. Each judge independently determines their Difficulty Score, and then the two judges must come to a consensus. 
- __The Execution Score__ rates the performance in terms of execution and artistry. The Execution Score is determined by six judges on the E Panel. The score begins at 10, and deductions for errors in execution, technique, or artistry are subtracted from this baseline. Judges separately determine their scores for a routine, the highest and lowest scores are dropped, and the average of the remaining four scores becomes the final Execution Score. 

When you’re creating and executing a routine, familiarize yourself with the Code of Points that relates to your level of competition and the organization within which you’re competing. That way, you can make sure your routine is designed to achieve maximum points for your skill range and that you hit all the requirements.

The compulsory score in gymnastics is based on the performance of a specific routine that all amateur gymnasts must learn to be judged against one another. Compulsory routines vary depending on what official level a gymnast is competing at. These levels range in difficulty from Level 1 (the simplest) through Level 5 (the most challenging).

The optional score in competitive gymnastics is based upon routines that the gymnast designs to showcase his or her own strengths. In a gymnast’s optional floor exercise routine, the choice of music and choreography lets a competitor’s personality shine through.

Whether you’re just starting out on the floor or dreaming big about going professional, gymnastics is as challenging as it is rewarding. At 22, [Simone Biles](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/simone-biles-teaches-gymnastics-fundamentals) is already a gymnastics legend. With 14 medals, including 10 gold, Simone is the most decorated World Championship American gymnast of all time. In Simone Biles’s MasterClass on gymnastics fundamentals, she breaks down her techniques for the vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor. Learn how to perform under pressure, practice like a champion, and claim your competitive edge.

Want to become a better athlete? From training regimens to mental preparedness, learn everything you need to enhance your athletic abilities with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/). Gain exclusive access to video lessons taught by world champions, including Olympic gold-medal-winning gymnast Simone Biles, World No. 1-ranking tennis player Serena Williams, and six-time NBA All-Star Stephen Curry.

In men’s and women’s competitive gymnastics, the floor exercise is one of the events that make up a broader sport known as artistic gymnastics. Through various acrobatic events—including floor exercise, balance beam, uneven bars, <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-parallelism' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-parallelism","linkCopy":"parallel","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>parallel</a> bars, high beam, vault, rings, and pommel horse—artistic gymnastics propels athletes through feats of strength, agility, and grace. The floor exercise is one of two events, along with vaulting, that is performed by both male gymnasts and female gymnasts in Olympic competition.

In men’s and women’s competitive gymnastics, the floor exercise is one of the events that make up a broader sport known as artistic gymnastics. Through various acrobatic events—including floor exercise, balance beam, uneven bars, <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-parallelism' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-parallelism","linkCopy":"parallel","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>parallel</a> bars, high beam, vault, rings, and pommel horse—artistic gymnastics propels athletes through feats of strength, agility, and grace. The floor exercise is one of two events, along with vaulting, that is performed by both male gymnasts and female gymnasts in Olympic competition.

14 Gymnastics Floor Moves, Explained

The floor exercise is one of the events that comprise a total artistic gymnastics program. In women’s competition, the other events are <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-do-balance-beam-routines-with-simone-biles' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-do-balance-beam-routines-with-simone-biles","linkCopy":"balance beam","category":null}'>balance beam</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/olympic-gymnast-simone-biles-basic-uneven-bars-drills' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/olympic-gymnast-simone-biles-basic-uneven-bars-drills","linkCopy":"uneven bars","category":null}'>uneven bars</a>, and the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-simone-biless-vaulting-techniques-and-vault-drills' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-simone-biless-vaulting-techniques-and-vault-drills","linkCopy":"vault","category":null}'>vault</a>. In men’s competition, the other events are parallel bars, pommel horse, still rings, and the vault.A floor exercise is set to music and involves gymnasts performing a series of tumbling and athletic feats interspersed with dance choreography. Judges look for versatile use of floor space, changes in the direction and level of movement, theatrics, dance elements, command of music, and height and distance of jumping and tumbling maneuvers. The floor routine lasts no more than 90 seconds and must cover the entire floor area. Judges require a minimum number leaps and turns in all floor routines.The apparatus for floor exercise is a performance area measuring 1,200 centimeters x 1,200 centimeters (± 3 centimeters). Some gymnastics floors have springs to enable higher jumps; some do not. A spring floor is common in most competitive circumstances.

What Is the Gymnastics Floor Exercise?

The floor exercise showcases the widest array of moves in both men’s and women’s gymnastics. Some highlights of the floor routine include:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Back handspring: a key tumbling move involving a backward flip into a handstand position, and then a forward flip back to your original standing position. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-perform-simone-biless-back-handspring-drills' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-perform-simone-biless-back-handspring-drills","linkCopy":"Learn more about the back handspring in our guide here","category":null}'>Learn more about the back handspring in our guide here</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Front handspring: the same as a back handspring, only the gymnast starts by running, and moves forward instead of backward. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-simone-biless-front-handspring-drill' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-simone-biless-front-handspring-drill","linkCopy":"Learn more about the front handspring in our guide, including front handspring drills, here","category":null}'>Learn more about the front handspring in our guide, including front handspring drills, here</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Front walkover: Similar to a front handspring, but in a front walkover, the gymnast’s legs move one after the other, resulting in a smooth, fluid motion. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-simone-biless-front-walkover-drills' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-simone-biless-front-walkover-drills","linkCopy":"Learn more about the front walkover here","category":null}'>Learn more about the front walkover here</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Back walkover: the reverse of a front walkover where once again the gymnast’s legs fluidly move one after the other. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Somersault: also known as a front somersault or forward somersault, this involves a forward flip along the floor with knees either tucked or in pike position. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Backward somersault: the reverse of a somersault, with tucked knees and a backward flip along the floor. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Cartwheel: a sideways rotation of the body where a gymnast begins in a standing position, rotates sideways with hands on the floor and legs in a split position, and continues rotating until once again in standing position. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 8. Roundoff: a cartwheel-style maneuver that involves a half-rotation, a brief pause in a handstand position, and a return to the original standing position. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 9. Aerial cartwheel: also known as a side aerial or just an aerial, this involves a cartwheel performed in midair, where hands do not touch the ground. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 10. Aerial walkover: also known as a front aerial, it is similar to an aerial cartwheel in that the gymnast performs a complete revolution without touching the ground. Unlike a cartwheel an aerial walkover involves a forward tumble, not a sideways one. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 11. Straight jump: A forward jump where the gymnast keeps straight legs during flight and when landing. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 12. Scissors leap: Also called a switch leap, this is a forward leap where the legs move in a scissors-style motion. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 13. Split leap: A running forward leap where the gymnast passes through split position while airborne. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 14. Cross handstand: A variant on a handstand where the hands are planted close together on the ground. </li></ol>

14 Different Floor Exercise Moves 

In artistic gymnastics, which includes the floor exercise, gymnasts are judged by the Code of Points, a rule book issued by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) that outlines the point values of various skills in international competition. A gymnast’s final score is calculated from a start value, where the gymnast begins with the highest possible score and then has points deducted for elements that may have been lacking in their routine. A technical committee of judges determines these deductions.In the past, FIG’s scores used to have a maximum value of 10—you’ve probably heard the expression “a perfect 10.” But in 2006, FIG altered its system to factor the difficulty of skills and routines into its scores. These days, the total score for a gymnast’s routine is actually the sum of two scores: the Difficulty Score (D) and the Execution Score (E). <ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">The Difficulty Score reflects the total difficulty value (DV) of skills plus the connection value (CV) and compositional requirements (CR). Two judges make up the D Panel. Each judge independently determines their Difficulty Score, and then the two judges must come to a consensus. </li><li class="">The Execution Score rates the performance in terms of execution and artistry. The Execution Score is determined by six judges on the E Panel. The score begins at 10, and deductions for errors in execution, technique, or artistry are subtracted from this baseline. Judges separately determine their scores for a routine, the highest and lowest scores are dropped, and the average of the remaining four scores becomes the final Execution Score. </li></ul>When you’re creating and executing a routine, familiarize yourself with the Code of Points that relates to your level of competition and the organization within which you’re competing. That way, you can make sure your routine is designed to achieve maximum points for your skill range and that you hit all the requirements.

How to Score Gymnastics Floor Exercises

The compulsory score in gymnastics is based on the performance of a specific routine that all amateur gymnasts must learn to be judged against one another. Compulsory routines vary depending on what official level a gymnast is competing at. These levels range in difficulty from Level 1 (the simplest) through Level 5 (the most challenging).

What Is the Compulsory Score in Gymnastics?

The optional score in competitive gymnastics is based upon routines that the gymnast designs to showcase his or her own strengths. In a gymnast’s optional floor exercise routine, the choice of music and choreography lets a competitor’s personality shine through.

What Is the Optional Score in Gymnastics?

Whether you’re just starting out on the floor or dreaming big about going professional, gymnastics is as challenging as it is rewarding. At 22, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/simone-biles-teaches-gymnastics-fundamentals' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/simone-biles-teaches-gymnastics-fundamentals","linkCopy":"Simone Biles","category":null}'>Simone Biles</a> is already a gymnastics legend. With 14 medals, including 10 gold, Simone is the most decorated World Championship American gymnast of all time. In Simone Biles’s MasterClass on gymnastics fundamentals, she breaks down her techniques for the vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor. Learn how to perform under pressure, practice like a champion, and claim your competitive edge.Want to become a better athlete? From training regimens to mental preparedness, learn everything you need to enhance your athletic abilities with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain exclusive access to video lessons taught by world champions, including Olympic gold-medal-winning gymnast Simone Biles, World No. 1-ranking tennis player Serena Williams, and six-time NBA All-Star Stephen Curry.

Want to Become a Better Gymnast?

In men’s and women’s competitive gymnastics, the floor exercise is one of the events that make up a broader sport known as artistic gymnastics. Through various acrobatic events—including floor exercise, balance beam, uneven bars, <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-parallelism' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-parallelism","linkCopy":"parallel","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>parallel</a> bars, high beam, vault, rings, and pommel horse—artistic gymnastics propels athletes through feats of strength, agility, and grace. The floor exercise is one of two events, along with vaulting, that is performed by both male gymnasts and female gymnasts in Olympic competition.