9 Top Artistic Gymnastics Skills for Women 2026
Selection criteria: The list covers skills based on difficulty value, popularity among elite women gymnasts in 2026, innovation, and scoring potential under the 2026 FIG Code of Points.
1. Amanar Vault (Yurchenko 2.5 twists)
What makes it notable: A high-difficulty vault with a 5.8 D-score, favored for its combination of power and complexity. It remains a top-scoring option in vault finals.
Who it's for: Elite gymnasts seeking top-level difficulty and power demonstration.
Key specs: Round-off onto springboard, back handspring onto vaulting table, 2.5 twisting layout salto in the post-flight.
Downsides: High risk of injury and requires exceptional sprint speed and blocking power.
2. Triple Twist Yurchenko Vault
What makes it notable: One of the rarest vaults attempted due to its extreme difficulty (approx. 6.0 D-score). It sets gymnasts apart with maximum scoring potential.
Who it's for: Gymnasts with strong technical foundation and exceptional aerial awareness.
Key specs: Round-off onto springboard, back handspring onto table, 3 full twists in the layout salto.
Downsides: Extremely high risk of falls and injury; attempted by very few worldwide.
3. Ezhova (Double Arabian Dismount on Balance Beam)
What makes it notable: A double Arabian salto (half twist into backflip) dismount from the beam, rated around 0.6 in difficulty, it combines technical difficulty with spectacular presentation.
Who it's for: Experienced beam workers aiming for high-scoring dismounts.
Key specs: Double front somersault with a half twist, dismount from beam.
Downsides: Requires perfect timing; errors can lead to significant deductions.
4. Silivas (Double Layout Backflip on Floor)
What makes it notable: One of the hardest tumbling passes in women's floor exercise with a 0.7 D-score, mastered by few gymnasts such as Simone Biles.
Who it's for: Floor specialists with powerful acrobatic skills.
Key specs: Double backflip in stretched (layout) position.
Downsides: Requires tremendous strength and aerial control; high injury risk.
5. Biles II (Double Double Backflip on Floor)
What makes it notable: A double backflip with two twists in a layout position, rated 0.8 D-score, pushing the boundary on floor difficulty in 2026.
Who it's for: Elite gymnasts with exceptional power and aerial precision.
Key specs: Double back layout with 2 full twists.
Downsides: Requires extreme physical conditioning and mastery of twisting mechanics.
6. Pak Salto on Uneven Bars
What makes it notable: A highly technical release move scoring 0.5 D-score that combines flair with risk. Must be executed cleanly for bonus connection points.
Who it's for: Bars specialists looking to increase routine difficulty safely.
Key specs: Swing from high bar, salto backward with straight body to low bar catch.
Downsides: Requires precise timing and grip strength; sloppy execution leads to deductions.
7. Jaeger Tucked or Layout Release on Uneven Bars
What makes it notable: Valued for its dynamic release and high flight, scoring about 0.5-0.6 D-score.
Who it's for: Experienced bar workers who want to add flight elements easily connected to other skills.
Key specs: Forward salto release catch on bars, executed tucked or layout.
Downsides: Demands strong spatial awareness and timing; risk of falls if mistimed.
8. Double Arabian Tucked Vault
What makes it notable: A difficult vault with a 5.4 D-score, involving a half twist into double front salto tucked, demonstrating aerial control and power.
Who it's for: Vault specialists who value originality and a good score potential.
Key specs: Round-off entry, half twist on vault table, double front tucked salto off.
Downsides: Requires excellent strength and sprint approach; less forgiving than Yurchenko-style vaults.
9. Full-Twisting Double Back Salto on Floor
What makes it notable: A staple high-difficulty floor tumbling pass with strong execution value, usually rated around 0.6 D-score.
Who it's for: Floor gymnasts establishing consistent, clean tumbling passes.
Key specs: Double backflip with a full twist, usually performed in tucked or layout position.
Downsides: Demands consistent technique and amplitude to maximize score.
| Skill Name | Apparatus | D-Score | Key Benefit | Downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amanar Vault | Vault | 5.8 | High-power vault with premium score | High injury risk |
| Triple Twist Yurchenko | Vault | 6.0 | Maximum difficulty for elite gymnasts | Rare, very high risk |
| Ezhova Dismount | Balance Beam | 0.6 | Impressive beam dismount | Timing intensive |
| Silivas | Floor | 0.7 | Exceptional floor difficulty | High strength required |
| Biles II | Floor | 0.8 | Extreme power and twist | Physically demanding |
| Pak Salto | Uneven Bars | 0.5 | Technical release move | Timing critical |
| Jaeger Release | Uneven Bars | 0.5-0.6 | Dynamic flight element | Fall risk if mistimed |
| Double Arabian Vault | Vault | 5.4 | Original vault style | Less forgiving |
| Full-Twisting Double Back | Floor | 0.6 | Consistent high-value tumbling | Needs clean execution |
How to Choose the Right Skill for You
When selecting skills to train, consider your current physical strengths, apparatus preferences, and goals. If you excel in power and speed, vaults like Amanar or Double Arabian suit you. For dynamic aerial work on floor, aim for Silivas or Biles II. Bars specialists should prioritize release moves like Pak Salto or Jaeger to increase routine difficulty. Beam requires precision, so focus on dismounts like Ezhova only with reliable control.
Evaluate your training environment, coaching support, and injury history. Always prioritize proper technique over difficulty to maximize your scores while minimizing risk.