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RECREATION LEVEL 1 - FLOOR
Watch each skill video below, then complete the knowledge check at the end of this section. The primary goal of Rec Floor 1 is to introduce the basic body shapes, strength, coordination, and movement patterns needed for future floor skills. Athletes will begin developing the foundations for handstands, cartwheels, rolls, bridges, and basic dance elements through the following skills and progressions:
HANDSTAND SHAPING
Introduces the straight, tight body shape needed for a handstand. The lying handstand shape teaches proper alignment without supporting body weight, while the piked handstand begins developing straight-arm support and the feeling of having the hips above the shoulders. These positions progress toward an independent handstand.
BEGINNING CARTWHEELS
Introduces the basic sequence and direction of a cartwheel through Lunge → Hands → Quarter Turn → Finish. Monkey Jumps help athletes become comfortable supporting their weight on their hands and moving their legs over their body. These skills progress toward an independent cartwheel.
FORWARD ROLL
Teaches athletes to safely rotate forward while maintaining a tucked, rounded body position. Using the wedge assists the rotation while athletes learn to keep their arms by their ears and finish standing with control. This progresses toward an independent forward roll on the floor.
MAD CAT PUSHUP POSITION
Develops straight-arm support strength while introducing the hollow body shape, a tight, rounded position with the upper back pushed upward and the core engaged. Athletes begin with the knees-down variation before progressing to a full push-up position while maintaining the hollow shape. This fundamental body position is used throughout gymnastics and will later progress into Backward Roll → Mad Cat and eventually a Back Extension Roll. "Mad Cat" and Hollow body can be used interchangeably, they both are simply describing the shape of the body.
SKIPPING
Introduces the rhythm, coordination, and step-together action needed for basic gymnastics dance. Skipping begins developing the movement pattern that will progress into a chassé and eventually chassé → leap.
BRIDGE
Introduces backward flexibility and weight-bearing through the arms while developing open shoulders and a strong bridge position. Athletes learn to push into a bridge, bring the legs together, and hold with control. A strong bridge shape is an important foundation for future backward skills, progressing into Bridge Kick-Over work and eventually helping develop the flexibility and body positions needed for a Back Handspring.
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