What is a "Balance Check" deduction in gymnastics?
The "Balance Check" deduction is taken for wobble or pause to regain balance on beam. Judges typically take 0.10 for it.
A brief wobble or small balance check broke the flow of the skill.
What it costs
The typical value for balance check is 0.10. Judges scale it by how noticeable the error was.
| Deduction | Severity | Typical value | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance Check / Wobble | Small | −0.10 | Balance Beam |
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: Balance Beam.
Skills where balance check is common:
- Back WalkoverBalance Beam
- Beam Back HandspringBalance Beam
- Beam Back TuckBalance Beam
- Beam CartwheelBalance Beam
- Beam Full TurnBalance Beam
- Beam HandstandBalance Beam
- Beam Round-Off DismountBalance Beam
- Beam Split LeapBalance Beam
- Beam Switch LeapBalance Beam
- Front WalkoverBalance Beam
- Step-On MountBalance Beam
- Wolf TurnBalance Beam
- Double TurnFloor Exercise
- Wolf TurnFloor Exercise
How to fix it
Beam-balance and relevé drills, plus reps on a line or low beam to steady the wobble.
Common corrections:
- Balance drills
- Core strengthening
- Focus techniques
Muscles involved
Primary
- Core: Abdominals and deep stabilizers for body tension and hollow/arch positions
- Ankles & Feet: Ankle stabilizers and intrinsic foot muscles for balance, turns, and pointed toes
Secondary
- Calves: Gastrocnemius and soleus for relevé, pointed toes, and landing control
- Glutes: Gluteal muscles for hip extension, jumps, and body alignment
Drills that help
Related deductions
Common questions
- What is a "Balance Check" deduction in gymnastics?
- Wobble or pause to regain balance on beam. It falls under the execution category of deductions.
- How many tenths is the balance check deduction?
- The balance check 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 balance check deduction?
- Balance checks on beam are an execution category most judges note quickly.
- How can my gymnast stop getting the balance check deduction?
- Beam-balance and relevé drills, plus reps on a line or low beam to steady the wobble.
- Which events is the balance check deduction called on?
- In Stickd's rule set, the balance check deduction applies on Balance Beam.
- Which skills commonly get the balance check deduction?
- Stickd's skill data links the balance check deduction to 14 skills, including Back Walkover (Balance Beam), Beam Back Handspring (Balance Beam), Beam Back Tuck (Balance Beam), Beam Cartwheel (Balance Beam), Beam Full Turn (Balance Beam), and Beam Handstand (Balance Beam).
- What drills help fix the balance check deduction?
- Standard Stickd drills that target the balance check deduction include Beam Arabesque & Scale Holds, Beam Walking & Relevé Balance, Relevé Walks on Line, and Beam Back Handspring Progressions.
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