How to do a Kip
A Kip is a bar skill on uneven bars that gymnasts usually learn between Levels 4 and 5.
Also called: glide kip.
Quick facts
| Apparatus | Uneven Bars |
|---|---|
| Typical level (estimate) | Levels 4-5 |
| Difficulty (Stickd rating) | 5/10 |
| Time to learn (estimate) | About 6 weeks |
| Fear factor (Stickd rating) | 1/5 |
Levels, ratings and timelines are Stickd estimates for planning, not USAG requirements.
Step-by-step progression
A Kip is a starting skill with no required prerequisite.
- 1
Kip
Learn a Kip. Allow about 6 weeks (estimate).
Drills that build a Kip
- Kip Timing Drills on Strap Bar
- Glide Swing Drills
- Dead Hang & Active Hang
- Hollow Body Holds
- Pike Compression & Leg Lift Conditioning
Technique focus areas: Kip timing, Pike angle.
What good form looks like
Swing from long hang to front support on bar. Compulsory element (Levels 1-5); not a valued difficulty element in optional/elite scoring..
- shoulders: extended
- hips: flexed_to_seated
- elbows: bent_over_bar
Common deductions on a Kip
| Deduction | What it means | Typically |
|---|---|---|
| Bent Arms | Arms not fully extended when they should be straight | 0.1 |
Typical values; judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is, and the judges' score is the official one.
Skills a Kip unlocks
- Cast Handstand (Uneven Bars, Levels 5-6)
Watch an example
Watch a Kip tutorial on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
Frequently asked questions
- What level do gymnasts learn a Kip?
- Gymnasts usually learn a Kip between Levels 4 and 5. That is a typical range, and every gymnast and gym moves at a different pace.
- How long does it take to learn a Kip?
- About 6 weeks of regular practice, as a rough estimate. Real timelines vary a lot from gymnast to gymnast.
- What are the most common deductions on a Kip?
- The ones to watch for are Bent Arms (usually about 0.1). Judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is.