What is an "Insufficient Amplitude" deduction in gymnastics?
The "Insufficient Amplitude" deduction is taken for not enough height or extension on jumps, leaps, or tumbling. The USAG Development Program code sets it at up to 0.20 on leaps, jumps and flight elements (up to 0.30 on saltos and salto dismounts).
The skill didn't reach the height or extension the judge expects.
What it costs
Under the USAG Development Program code, insufficient amplitude is up to 0.20 on leaps, jumps and flight elements (up to 0.30 on saltos and salto dismounts). Judges scale it by how noticeable the error was.
| Deduction | Severity | Typical value | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insufficient Amplitude | Medium | −0.20 | Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise |
Insufficient Amplitude: USAG DP: up to 0.20 on leaps, jumps and acro flight; up to 0.30 on saltos and salto dismounts
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 insufficient amplitude is common:
- Bar PirouetteUneven Bars
- GiantUneven Bars
- Gienger (Release Move)Uneven Bars
- Jaeger (Release Move)Uneven Bars
- Stalder CircleUneven Bars
- TkatchevUneven Bars
- Front WalkoverBalance Beam
- Back TuckFloor Exercise
- Front HandspringFloor Exercise
- Front TuckFloor Exercise
- RoundoffFloor Exercise
- Switch LeapFloor Exercise
How to fix it
Plyometric and conditioning work for power, plus full-height reps so the body learns the bigger shape.
Common corrections:
- Power training
- Plyometrics
- Height drills
Muscles involved
Primary
- Quadriceps: Front thigh muscles for jumps, landings, and knee extension
- Glutes: Gluteal muscles for hip extension, jumps, and body alignment
Secondary
- Calves: Gastrocnemius and soleus for relevé, pointed toes, and landing control
- Core: Abdominals and deep stabilizers for body tension and hollow/arch positions
Drills that help
Related deductions
Common questions
- What is an "Insufficient Amplitude" deduction in gymnastics?
- Not enough height or extension on jumps, leaps, or tumbling. It falls under the amplitude & height category of deductions.
- How many tenths is the insufficient amplitude deduction?
- Under the USAG Development Program code, the insufficient amplitude deduction is up to 0.20 on leaps, jumps and flight elements (up to 0.30 on saltos and salto dismounts); 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 insufficient amplitude deduction?
- Amplitude is height plus extension — bigger amplitude earns a higher difficulty score.
- How can my gymnast stop getting the insufficient amplitude deduction?
- Plyometric and conditioning work for power, plus full-height reps so the body learns the bigger shape.
- Which events is the insufficient amplitude deduction called on?
- In Stickd's rule set, the insufficient amplitude deduction applies on Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and Floor Exercise.
- Which skills commonly get the insufficient amplitude deduction?
- Stickd's skill data links the insufficient amplitude deduction to 12 skills, including Bar Pirouette (Uneven Bars), Giant (Uneven Bars), Stalder Circle (Uneven Bars), Tkatchev (Uneven Bars), Back Tuck (Floor Exercise), and Front Handspring (Floor Exercise).
- What drills help fix the insufficient amplitude deduction?
- Standard Stickd drills that target the insufficient amplitude deduction include Leap Power & Height Drills, Round-Off Rebound Drills, Tuck Jump Height Conditioning, and Vault Run & Approach Drills.
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.