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Low Beam Confidence Progression

Low Beam Confidence Progression is a beginner-level balance beam drill that works on fall, balance check and poor posture. Build balance and confidence by moving the same basic beam work from a floor line to a floor beam, a low beam, and then the high beam. Most falls come from rushing a skill to height before it is steady lower down.

Quick facts

Event
Balance Beam
Difficulty
beginner
Equipment
floor line, floor beam, low beam, balance beam, mat
Time per round
about 9 minutes
Muscles
Core, Calves, Ankles & Feet, Glutes, Quadriceps

How to do Low Beam Confidence Progression

  1. Floor Line Walks

    On a floor line, walk forward, backward, and sideways with a tall posture and eyes at the end of the line. 3 passes each.

    Cues: Tall posture · Eyes forward, not down · Arms still

  2. Relevé Walks and Dips

    On the line, do relevé walks and dip walks (bend the standing knee, sweep the other foot past the beam). 3 passes each.

    Cues: High relevé · Hips square · Slow and controlled

  3. Repeat on a Floor Beam

    Repeat the same walks on a floor beam. Move on only after 3 clean passes with no wobble.

    Cues: Same posture as on the line · Squeeze the core · Breathe

  4. Repeat on a Low Beam

    Repeat on a low beam with mats around it. Step down safely if you lose balance instead of fighting it.

    Cues: Feet on the beam, toes turned out slightly · Eyes at the end · Step down, don't fall

  5. Move to High Beam

    When the low beam is steady, repeat the walks on the high beam with a coach nearby.

    Cues: Same rhythm as low beam · Tight core · Finish each pass with a pose

Practice this drill under a qualified coach, especially for inversions and flight.

Fixes these deductions

Builds these skills

Video

Watch a demonstration “Gymnastics for Children - Balance Beam Drills - Coach Amy Eggleston” by SportVideos, on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Common questions

What does Low Beam Confidence Progression help with?
Low Beam Confidence Progression targets fall, balance check and poor posture. Build balance and confidence by moving the same basic beam work from a floor line to a floor beam, a low beam, and then the high beam. Most falls come from rushing a skill to height before it is steady lower down.
What level is Low Beam Confidence Progression for?
Stickd rates Low Beam Confidence Progression as a beginner drill. It is part of the progression for Step-On Mount (typically Level 1-2), Beam Handstand (typically Level 3-4) and Beam Cartwheel (typically Level 3-4).

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