What is a "Pike in Body" deduction in gymnastics?
The "Pike in Body" deduction is taken for hip angle showing pike when straight position required. The USAG Development Program code sets it at up to 0.20 when a stretched (straight-body) skill shows a hip angle (up to 0.30 in vault's second flight).
The hips folded into a pike when the skill called for a straight body.
What it costs
Under the USAG Development Program code, pike in body is up to 0.20 when a stretched (straight-body) skill shows a hip angle (up to 0.30 in vault's second flight). Judges scale it by how noticeable the error was.
| Deduction | Severity | Typical value | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pike in Body Position | Medium | −0.20 | Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise |
Pike in Body Position: USAG DP: up to 0.20 (vault tables allow up to 0.30 for body-position faults)
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 pike in body is common:
- Handspring Front LayoutVault
- Tsukahara LayoutVault
- Yurchenko LayoutVault
- Cast HandstandUneven Bars
- Clear HipUneven Bars
- Flyaway LayoutUneven Bars
- GiantUneven Bars
- Stalder CircleUneven Bars
- Back LayoutBalance Beam
- Beam Back HandspringBalance Beam
- Dismount - Back LayoutBalance Beam
- Back HandspringFloor Exercise
- Back LayoutFloor Exercise
- Back PikeFloor Exercise
- Double Back LayoutFloor Exercise
- Front HandspringFloor Exercise
- Front LayoutFloor Exercise
How to fix it
Hollow-body holds and straight-body shaping drills; film the skill to catch the hip fold.
Common corrections:
- Hollow body exercises
- Core engagement drills
- Handstand shoulder position
Muscles involved
Primary
- Core: Abdominals and deep stabilizers for body tension and hollow/arch positions
- Hip Flexors: Iliopsoas and rectus femoris for pike, leg lifts, and cast positions
Secondary
- Lower Back: Erector spinae for back extension, arch positions, and spinal stability
- Glutes: Gluteal muscles for hip extension, jumps, and body alignment
Drills that help
Related deductions
Common questions
- What is a "Pike in Body" deduction in gymnastics?
- Hip angle showing pike when straight position required. It falls under the form category of deductions.
- How many tenths is the pike in body deduction?
- Under the USAG Development Program code, the pike in body deduction is up to 0.20 when a stretched (straight-body) skill shows a hip angle (up to 0.30 in vault's second flight); 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 pike in body deduction?
- Body position is execution — judges compare what they see to a textbook line.
- How can my gymnast stop getting the pike in body deduction?
- Hollow-body holds and straight-body shaping drills; film the skill to catch the hip fold.
- Which events is the pike in body deduction called on?
- In Stickd's rule set, the pike in body deduction applies on Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and Floor Exercise.
- Which skills commonly get the pike in body deduction?
- Stickd's skill data links the pike in body deduction to 17 skills, including Yurchenko Layout (Vault), Cast Handstand (Uneven Bars), Clear Hip (Uneven Bars), Flyaway Layout (Uneven Bars), Giant (Uneven Bars), and Stalder Circle (Uneven Bars).
- What drills help fix the pike in body deduction?
- Standard Stickd drills that target the pike in body deduction include Back Pike Progressions, Glide Swing Drills, Stalder Circle Drills, and Cast Handstand Drills on Low Bar.
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