What is an "Extra Arm Swing" deduction in gymnastics?
The "Extra Arm Swing" deduction is taken for using arms to regain balance beyond normal choreography. Judges typically take 0.10 for it.
An extra arm swing helped maintain balance during a skill.
ExecutionTypically −0.10Balance Beam
What it costs
The typical value for extra arm swing is 0.10. Judges scale it by how noticeable the error was.
| Deduction | Severity | Typical value | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Arm Swing | 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.
How to fix it
Train the skill with arms held in position; balance drills reduce the need to swing for correction.
Muscles involved
Primary
- Core: Abdominals and deep stabilizers for body tension and hollow/arch positions
- Shoulders: Deltoids and rotator cuff for handstands, casts, and overhead positions
Secondary
- Upper Back: Trapezius and rhomboids for posture, handstand stability, and bar work
- Glutes: Gluteal muscles for hip extension, jumps, and body alignment
Drills that help
Related deductions
Common questions
- What is an "Extra Arm Swing" deduction in gymnastics?
- Using arms to regain balance beyond normal choreography. It falls under the execution category of deductions.
- How many tenths is the extra arm swing deduction?
- The extra arm swing 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 extra arm swing deduction?
- Visible balance aids are deducted as a small execution error.
- How can my gymnast stop getting the extra arm swing deduction?
- Train the skill with arms held in position; balance drills reduce the need to swing for correction.
- Which events is the extra arm swing deduction called on?
- In Stickd's rule set, the extra arm swing deduction applies on Balance Beam.
- What drills help fix the extra arm swing deduction?
- Standard Stickd drills that target the extra arm swing deduction include Arm Swing Control Exercises, Beam Arabesque & Scale Holds, and Beam Jump Landing Control.
Get the deduction cheat-sheet
A plain-English reference to the most common deductions, straight to your inbox.
We’ll email you the cheat-sheet and occasional Stickd updates. Unsubscribe anytime.