How to do a Step-On Mount
A Step-On Mount is a mount on balance beam that gymnasts usually learn between Levels 1 and 2.
Also called: beam mount, mount.
Quick facts
| Apparatus | Balance Beam |
|---|---|
| Typical level (estimate) | Levels 1-2 |
| Difficulty (Stickd rating) | 1/10 |
| Time to learn (estimate) | About 1 week |
| Fear factor (Stickd rating) | 0/5 |
Levels, ratings and timelines are Stickd estimates for planning, not USAG requirements.
Step-by-step progression
A Step-On Mount is a starting skill with no required prerequisite.
- 1
Step-On Mount
Learn a Step-On Mount. Allow about 1 week (estimate).
Drills that build a Step-On Mount
What good form looks like
Simple step onto beam with straight posture.
- knees: straight
- posture: upright
Common deductions on a Step-On Mount
| Deduction | What it means | Typically |
|---|---|---|
| Balance Check | Wobble or pause to regain balance on beam | 0.1 |
| Poor Posture | Shoulders not back, head not neutral, poor presentation | up to 0.10 |
Typical values; judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is, and the judges' score is the official one.
Skills a Step-On Mount unlocks
- Beam Full Turn (Balance Beam, Levels 3-4)
- Beam Handstand (Balance Beam, Levels 3-4)
- Beam Split Leap (Balance Beam, Levels 3-4)
Watch an example
Watch a Step-On Mount tutorial on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
Frequently asked questions
- What level do gymnasts learn a Step-On Mount?
- Gymnasts usually learn a Step-On Mount between Levels 1 and 2. That is a typical range, and every gymnast and gym moves at a different pace.
- How long does it take to learn a Step-On Mount?
- About 1 week of regular practice, as a rough estimate. Real timelines vary a lot from gymnast to gymnast.
- What are the most common deductions on a Step-On Mount?
- The ones to watch for are Balance Check (usually about 0.1) and Poor Posture (up to 0.10). Judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is.