Beam is probably the most nuanced event to judge, as the smallest adjustment or error can have a massive impact on the score or start value. This is especially true in front-to-back acro series connections, where judges have to have eyes like a hawk to catch the smallest pause or foot adjustment that may break a series. In this article, I’ll give examples of various front-to-back acro series and point out what the judges are looking for and what constitutes a slow connection or broken connection. As a reminder, here’s a summary of what judges are looking for in these connections.
- The best connections look like they would if done on a line on the floor: continuous, fluid, and confident.
- For a slow, continuous connection in line with the balance beam, judges can take an up-to-two-tenth rhythm deduction.
- If a gymnast does any of the following, the connection is considered broken and is not eligible for any connective bonus or to fulfill the acro series special requirement:
- Stop
- Wobble or any movement that is not in line with the balance beam
- Reposition feet between elements (including steps, hops, scoots, or pivots)
- Fully straighten legs between elements
Front Aerial Back Handspring
The Ideal: The gymnast should show a confident,…
