How to do a Switch Leap
A Switch Leap is a leap on floor exercise that gymnasts usually learn between Levels 5 and 6, once a Split Leap is solid.
Also called: switch split leap.
Quick facts
| Apparatus | Floor Exercise |
|---|---|
| Typical level (estimate) | Levels 5-6 |
| Difficulty (Stickd rating) | 5/10 |
| Time to learn after the prerequisite (estimate) | About 4 weeks |
| Whole progression (estimate) | About 7 weeks from a Split Leap |
| Fear factor (Stickd rating) | 1/5 |
Levels, ratings and timelines are Stickd estimates for planning, not USAG requirements.
What to learn before a Switch Leap
Work through these skills in order. Each one is a required step toward a Switch Leap.
- Split Leap (Levels 2-3)
Step-by-step progression
The path to a Switch Leap has 2 steps. Week counts are typical estimates for regular training.
- 1
Split Leap
Learn a Split Leap until it is solid, usually between Levels 2 and 3. About 3 weeks (estimate).
- 2
Switch Leap
Learn a Switch Leap. Allow about 4 weeks once the step before it is solid (estimate).
Drills that build a Switch Leap
- Leap Power & Height Drills
- Split Holds with Blocks
- Tuck Jump Height Conditioning
- Pointed Toe & Foot Articulation
- Split Jump & Straddle Jump Drills
Technique focus areas: Insufficient split.
What good form looks like
Leap where the front leg swings forward, then the legs switch in flight to reach a split.
- hips: open
- knees: straight
- ankles: pointed
Common deductions on a Switch Leap
| Deduction | What it means | Typically |
|---|---|---|
| Insufficient Split | Split not reaching 180 degrees in leaps and jumps | 0.1 |
| Insufficient Amplitude | Not enough height or extension on jumps, leaps, or tumbling | up to 0.20 |
| Low Leap Height | Leap or jump does not achieve sufficient height off the apparatus | 0.1 |
Typical values; judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is, and the judges' score is the official one.
Watch an example
Watch a Switch Leap tutorial on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
Frequently asked questions
- What level do gymnasts learn a Switch Leap?
- Gymnasts usually learn a Switch Leap between Levels 5 and 6. That is a typical range, and every gymnast and gym moves at a different pace.
- How long does it take to learn a Switch Leap?
- About 4 weeks once a Split Leap is solid, as a rough estimate. Starting from a Split Leap, the whole progression adds up to about 7 weeks. These are estimates; real timelines vary a lot from gymnast to gymnast.
- What should my gymnast learn before a Switch Leap?
- Split Leap comes directly before it. The full progression is Split Leap, then Switch Leap.
- What are the most common deductions on a Switch Leap?
- The ones to watch for are Insufficient Split (usually about 0.1), Insufficient Amplitude (up to 0.20) and Low Leap Height (usually about 0.1). Judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is.