Floor Exercise Pass Meaning in Gymnastics

A floor exercise pass is a row of tumbling skills. The gymnast runs across the large mat to gain high speed. The athlete then performs a series of flips and also twists. Most passes start with a roundoff and a back handspring. This combination provides the power needed for the big final flip. The gymnast travels from one corner of the floor to another. A gymnast executes a double layout as the first tumbling pass. The athlete must use the entire diagonal length of the mat. Keeping the body tight during the run increases the takeoff power. The gymnast must land the final skill inside the white lines. Each routine usually contains three or four different tumbling passes. This part of the routine shows the strength of the athlete. Judges look for high height and very clean leg positions. The gymnast must breathe deeply between each of the tumbling passes. A solid landing at the end of the pass is essential.