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RECREATION LEVEL 3 - FLOOR
Rec 3 Floor begins transitioning athletes from introductory drills into recognizable, independent gymnastics skills. Athletes will continue building on all Rec 1 and Rec 2 fundamentals while developing stronger handstands, cartwheels, rolls, bridges, round-off progressions, and a greater emphasis on dance, jumps, kicks, and leap preparation, with a focus on body position, control, and beginning connections.
HANDSTAND
Progresses the Rec 2 Handstand toward a more vertical and controlled position. Athletes focus on straight arms, active shoulders, legs together, pointed toes, and a tight body, finishing with a controlled step-down to lunge.
CARTWHEEL
Progresses the cartwheel into a recognizable independent skill performed on a straight line. Athletes focus on a clear hand-hand-foot-foot pattern, straight arms and legs, and passing closer to vertical before finishing in a controlled lunge.
FORWARD ROLL TO STRETCH JUMP
Develops an independent Forward Roll on the floor with a tight tuck and rounded body position. Athletes begin connecting the skill into Forward Roll → Stretch Jump → Stick, emphasizing control from start to finish. Forward roll can finish with a stretch jump or by simply standing with the legs together.
BACKWARD ROLL
Progresses the Rec 2 wedge drill to a Backward Roll performed on the floor. Athletes focus on placing the hands by the ears, pushing strongly through the hands to keep pressure off the head and neck, and finishing in a tight Mad Cat position. The athlete in the video finishes in a standing position, this is also acceptable for Rec 3 Floor.
BRIDGE PROGRESSION
Progresses toward a stronger independent Bridge with straight arms, legs together, and open shoulders. Athletes begin raising one leg and working through Bridge Kick-Over progressions using appropriate raised surfaces or wedges.
Safety Note: If an athlete is going from a standing position into a Bridge, they should ALWAYS bridge up a wedge, never down a wedge. If the athlete begins from a lying position, the Bridge Kick-Over may be performed going down the wedge. This progression helps protect the athlete’s elbows and joints while developing the skill safely.
CHASSÉ PROGRESSION
Progresses the rhythm and coordination developed through skipping and Plié Jumps into a recognizable Chassé. Athletes focus on the Step → Together → Step action with straight legs and pointed toes, practicing on both sides.
STRAIGHT-LEG KICKS
Introduces forward, backward, and side kicks as part of developing basic floor dance and presentation. Athletes focus on straight legs, pointed toes, tall posture, and control rather than the height of the kick.
STAR JUMP — STRADDLE JUMP INTRODUCTION
Introduces the basic body shape needed for a future Straddle Jump. Athletes jump from Demi-Plié into a wide star position with straight legs and pointed toes, then bring the legs together and land with control. The athlete in the video does a straddle jump, but a star jump with proper form is acceptable for Recreation 3.
CHASSÉ TO LEAP
Begins developing the movement patterns needed for a future Leap through Chassés, straight-leg kicks, and Step → Kick actions. The emphasis is on straight legs, pointed toes, rhythm, and identifying the leading leg, rather than split angle or height.
ROUND-OFF INTRODUCTION
Builds from the athlete's established Cartwheel and introduces the basic action of a Round-Off. Athletes focus on reaching into the hands, snapping the legs together, and finishing with both feet together while using a line or appropriate drill setup.
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