How many tenths is the arch in back deduction?

The arch in back deduction is typically 0.10, and the judge scales it by how noticeable it was. Official values come from the USAG or FIG code your meet uses.

Why do judges take the arch in back deduction?

An excessive arch is a body-line deduction and can also affect amplitude scoring.

Which events is the arch in back deduction called on?

In Stickd's rule set, the arch in back deduction applies on Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and Floor Exercise.

Which skills commonly get the arch in back deduction?

Stickd's skill data links the arch in back deduction to 1 skill, including Back Layout (Floor Exercise).

What drills help fix the arch in back deduction?

Standard Stickd drills that target the arch in back deduction include Core Tension & Hollow-Arch Drills, Hollow Body Holds, Yurchenko Layout Body Position Drills, and Bridge & Kickover Progressions.

What is an "Arch in Back" deduction in gymnastics?

The "Arch in Back" deduction is taken for excessive arch in lower back during skills. Judges typically take 0.10 for it.

There was extra arch in the lower back during the skill.

FormTypically −0.10VaultUneven BarsBalance BeamFloor Exercise

What it costs

The typical value for arch in back is 0.10. Judges scale it by how noticeable the error was.

Typical values for arch in back
Deduction	Severity	Typical value	Events
Excessive Arch in Back	Small	−0.10	Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise

These are typical values used for practice feedback. Official values come from the code your meet is judged under: USA Gymnastics — Rules & Policies, FIG Code of Points.

Where it shows up

Events: Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise.

Skills where arch in back is common:

Back LayoutFloor Exercise

How to fix it

Core and glute engagement drills (hollow holds) to flatten excess arch and hold a tight line.

Common corrections:

Core stability
Body alignment drills
Neutral spine awareness

Muscles involved

Primary

Core: Abdominals and deep stabilizers for body tension and hollow/arch positions
Glutes: Gluteal muscles for hip extension, jumps, and body alignment

Secondary

Lower Back: Erector spinae for back extension, arch positions, and spinal stability
Hip Flexors: Iliopsoas and rectus femoris for pike, leg lifts, and cast positions

Drills that help

Related deductions

Common questions

What is an "Arch in Back" deduction in gymnastics?: Excessive arch in lower back during skills. It falls under the form category of deductions.
How many tenths is the arch in back deduction?: The arch in back deduction is typically 0.10, and the judge scales it by how noticeable it was. Official values come from the USAG or FIG code your meet uses.
Why do judges take the arch in back deduction?: An excessive arch is a body-line deduction and can also affect amplitude scoring.
How can my gymnast stop getting the arch in back deduction?: Core and glute engagement drills (hollow holds) to flatten excess arch and hold a tight line.
Which events is the arch in back deduction called on?: In Stickd's rule set, the arch in back deduction applies on Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and Floor Exercise.
Which skills commonly get the arch in back deduction?: Stickd's skill data links the arch in back deduction to 1 skill, including Back Layout (Floor Exercise).
What drills help fix the arch in back deduction?: Standard Stickd drills that target the arch in back deduction include Core Tension & Hollow-Arch Drills, Hollow Body Holds, Yurchenko Layout Body Position Drills, and Bridge & Kickover Progressions.

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