The Most Difficult Move in Gymnastics, Ranked

Choose the move you think is the most difficult!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 31, 2024 06:32
Gymnastics is a sport of precision and grace, with athletes performing moves that require incredible skill and physical strength. With each new competition, they push the boundaries of what is possible, leading to a continuous debate among enthusiasts about which move is truly the hardest. Establishing a clear ranking helps clarify these debates by providing a reference based on collective opinions. On this site, you have the opportunity to participate in shaping that consensus. By casting your votes, you contribute to a dynamic ranking that reflects the current views of the gymnastics community. This ongoing input from voters like you ensures the list remains accurate and relevant, giving newcomers and seasoned followers alike a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of gymnastic techniques.

What Is the Most Difficult Move in Gymnastics?

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    Amanar Vault

    A Yurchenko style vault consisting of a round-off onto the springboard, back handspring onto the vaulting table, and then a layout somersault with 2.5 twists.
    • Originator: Simona Amanar
    • Difficulty Score: 5.8 (under the 2017–2020 Code of Points)
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    Yurchenko Double Pike

    A vault performed in a Yurchenko style, which includes a round-off onto the springboard, back handspring onto the vaulting table, followed by a double pike somersault.
    • Recently Popularized by: Simone Biles
    • Difficulty: High
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    Kovacs

    A release move on the high bar that involves a double back somersault over the bar.
    • Originator: Peter Kovacs
    • Difficulty: High
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    Cassina

    A high bar move that consists of a double back somersault with full twist over the bar in the laid out position.
    • Originator: Igor Cassina
    • Difficulty: High
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    Bretschneider

    A high bar skill that involves a double-twisting double backflip over the bar.
    • Originator: Andreas Bretschneider
    • Difficulty: Very High
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    Moors

    A floor exercise move consisting of a double layout somersault with two twists.
    • Originator: Victoria Moors
    • Difficulty Score: High
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    Nabieva

    A release move on the uneven bars that involves a toe-on layout somersault with a full twist over the high bar.
    • Originator: Tatiana Nabieva
    • Difficulty: High
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    Produnova Vault

    Also known as the 'Vault of Death', it is a front handspring onto the vaulting table followed by two front somersaults off.
    • Originator: Yelena Produnova
    • Difficulty Score: 7.0 (under the 2017–2020 Code of Points)
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    Tsukahara Double Pike

    A vault that involves a half-turn off the springboard, followed by a back somersault in a piked position.
    • Named After: Mitsuo Tsukahara
    • Difficulty: High
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    Triple Back Somersault

    A floor exercise move consisting of three consecutive back somersaults in the tucked position.
    • Also Known As: Triple Back
    • Difficulty: Extremely High

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult move in gymnastics. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or move is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1550 views
  • 0 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each move once every 24 hours. The rank of each move is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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Additional Information

More about the Most Difficult Move in Gymnastics

Gymnastics pushes the limits of human strength, flexibility, and precision. Athletes train for years, often starting as young children, to master the sport's complex skills. Among these, certain moves stand out for their sheer difficulty. These moves test the gymnast's physical and mental abilities to the extreme.

The most challenging moves in gymnastics require a blend of power, control, and timing. They often involve flips, twists, and rotations, all executed in rapid succession. The gymnast must maintain perfect form throughout, as even a slight error can lead to a fall or injury. Training for these moves involves countless hours of practice, with a focus on building strength, flexibility, and muscle memory.

Coaches play a crucial role in this process. They guide gymnasts through progressive steps, starting with simpler elements and gradually increasing the difficulty. Safety measures, such as mats and spotting, are essential during training. This helps prevent injuries and builds the gymnast's confidence.

Mental toughness is as important as physical ability. Gymnasts must overcome fear and doubt to perform these high-risk moves. Visualization techniques and mental rehearsals are common tools used to prepare for the real thing. Confidence, focus, and a calm mind are key to executing these moves successfully.

The difficulty of a move is often judged by its technical complexity and the risk involved. Moves that require multiple rotations or complex body positions are particularly challenging. The gymnast must coordinate every part of their body with precision, ensuring that each movement flows seamlessly into the next. Timing is critical, as even a fraction of a second can make a difference between success and failure.

In competition, performing these difficult moves can set a gymnast apart from their peers. Judges look for flawless execution, with points awarded for difficulty, form, and landing. A perfect performance can lead to high scores and medals, but the pressure to achieve this is immense.

Despite the challenges, many gymnasts strive to master these difficult moves. The sense of accomplishment and the thrill of performing at the highest level drive them to push their limits. The journey is long and arduous, but the rewards are worth the effort.

Injuries are a common risk in gymnastics, especially when attempting difficult moves. Sprains, fractures, and tears can sideline a gymnast for weeks or even months. Proper technique and conditioning are crucial to minimize these risks. Gymnasts also need to listen to their bodies and know when to rest.

The most difficult moves in gymnastics are a testament to human potential. They showcase the incredible capabilities of the human body and mind. For those who master them, the experience is both exhilarating and rewarding. The journey to achieve this mastery is filled with challenges, but it also offers immense satisfaction and pride. Gymnastics, at its highest level, is a blend of art and sport, pushing athletes to achieve feats that seem almost superhuman.

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