If you’ve ever watched your gymnast finish a beautiful level 3 floor routine and then wondered, “Why wasn’t that a 9.8?” — this post is for you.

Level 3 is the year vault starts to feel more “real,” with a stronger run, a more powerful board hit, and a cleaner flight phase. The focus is still on shapes, control, and power, not flipping or big tricks yet.

But here’s the truth: Floor is packed with technique, even at Level 2. Judges are watching everything — from pointed toes to posture to how your gymnast connects one skill to the next.

At Level 2, gymnastics bar routines have 3 purposes: Build strength, shapes, and confidence! Let's break down how scoring works...

Compulsory gymnastics scoring can feel like a mystery. Your gymnast salutes, performs a routine they’ve practiced a hundred times, and then a number flashes on the scoreboard that somehow reflects every pointed toe, straight leg, wobble, hop, and handstand angle.

High level gymnastics scoring overview. Compulsory, Optional and Xcel program breakdowns of what the judges are looking for at meets.