Getting into the specific level 6 bar requirements is usually the first thing on a gymnast's mind once they move out of the compulsory levels. It's an exciting time because Level 6 is technically the start of the "optional" levels, meaning you finally get a say in what your routine looks like. You aren't stuck doing the exact same choreography as every other girl in the gym anymore. However, even though you have more freedom, there are still very specific "Special Requirements" that you have to hit if you don't want to see your score tank before you even land your dismount.
The Big Shift to Level 6 Bars
If you've just come out of Level 5, you're probably used to the grind of perfecting a set routine. Level 6 changes the game. While it's technically an optional level, most coaches treat it like a "bridge" level. You still need to meet four main requirements, and if you miss one, the judges will take a flat 0.50 deduction right off the top. That's half a point just for forgetting a move!
The vibe of a Level 6 bar routine is all about showing off your swing and your form. Judges at this level aren't necessarily looking for the hardest skills in the world, but they are looking for clean lines and high casts. If you can make a simple routine look effortless and elegant, you're going to score much higher than someone trying a harder skill with bent knees and messy toes.
Breaking Down the Four Main Requirements
To get your full start value (which is a 10.0), your routine has to include four specific things. Let's break those down so you know exactly what you're aiming for when you jump up to that low bar.
1. The Cast to 45 Degrees
The first thing you need to know about level 6 bar requirements is the cast angle. In Level 5, you just had to get to horizontal. In Level 6, you have to get your hips off the bar and push your body up to at least 45 degrees above horizontal.
Now, here's where it gets tricky. If you don't hit that 45-degree mark, the judges won't give you credit for the requirement. And honestly? Aiming for exactly 45 degrees is a bad move. You want to aim for a handstand. Even if you don't quite make it to a vertical handstand, aiming higher ensures that even on a "bad" swing, you're still well above that 45-degree minimum. Plus, the higher your cast, the better your routine looks overall.
2. One Bar Change
You have to move from one bar to the other. Most gymnasts do this by doing a "squat on" or "toe on" to the low bar and then jumping to the high bar. It sounds simple, but this is a place where a lot of girls lose "composition" points. You want the transition to look fluid. If you stand on the low bar for three seconds shaking before you jump, it breaks the rhythm. The goal is to make the jump to the high bar look like a natural part of the swing, not a separate, scary chore.
3. One "B" Value Element (Circling Move)
This is usually the part that stresses people out. You need at least one "B" value skill. In gymnastics, skills are ranked A, B, C, and so on, with A being the easiest. For Level 6, you need a B move, and for 90% of gymnasts, this is going to be a clear hip circle, a Stalder circle, or a Pike circle (often called a "sole circle" if you're old school).
The clear hip is the most common choice. To get credit for it as a B skill, you usually need to finish it above horizontal. If you just flop around the bar and end up hanging underneath it, you might only get "A" credit, and then you've missed a requirement. It's all about the "pop" at the end of the circle.
4. The Dismount
Finally, you need a dismount, and it has to be at least an "A" value skill. Most Level 6s do a flyaway. This can be done in a tuck, pike, or layout position. The key here isn't just flipping; it's the height and distance. If you clip the bar or land too close to it, you're going to get hit with deductions. Judges love to see a flyaway that travels up and out, giving you plenty of time to spot the landing and stick it.
Why Form is Your Best Friend
I can't stress this enough: at Level 6, your form matters just as much as the skills themselves. You could have the most difficult B-value move in the meet, but if your legs are apart and your toes are flexed, a girl with a basic routine and perfect form is going to beat you every single time.
When you're working on your level 6 bar requirements, pay attention to the "little things." Keep your legs squeezed together like they're glued. Point your toes until your arches cramp. Keep your arms straight—bending your arms is the easiest way to lose tenths of a point.
Dealing with the "Composition" Scores
Since Level 6 is an optional level, judges also look at "composition." This is a fancy way of saying they look at how your routine is put together. Even if you hit all your requirements, they might take small deductions if the routine is too short or if you have "extra swings."
An extra swing (often called a "tap swing" or "empty swing") is a big no-no. Every move should lead directly into the next. If you do a back hip circle and then have to swing back and forth once or twice just to get your momentum for the dismount, that's a deduction. You want to build enough power in your skills so that you don't need those "filler" swings.
Training Tips for Level 6 Success
If you're struggling to hit those requirements, don't sweat it. Bars is arguably the hardest event to progress on because it requires so much upper body and core strength. Here are a few things you can do in the gym to make those level 6 bar requirements feel easier:
- Focus on Core: Your casts and clear hips come from your core, not just your arms. Work on your hollow holds and planks.
- The "Push Away": On your clear hip circles, focus on pushing away from the bar with straight arms. If you try to pull yourself around, you'll stay too close to the bar and won't get the height you need.
- Drill the Dismount: Don't just do flyaways into the pit. Practice them on the real mats. Learning how to time your release so you land in a "stuck" position is the difference between an 8.5 and a 9.2.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes gymnasts make when moving into Level 6 is trying to do skills they aren't ready for. Just because you can do a giant doesn't mean you should put it in your Level 6 routine. Giants are Level 7 requirements. If you do one in Level 6 and it's messy, you're just inviting the judges to take points away.
Stick to the level 6 bar requirements and make them look perfect. It's much better to have a "simple" routine that is executed flawlessly than a "hard" routine that looks like a struggle.
Another pitfall is the squat-on. It's such a basic move, but it's where a lot of falls happen. If you miss your feet or clip the bar, it's a fall, and that's a full point gone. Spend time getting your squat-ons so consistent that you could do them in your sleep.
Final Thoughts
Stepping up to Level 6 is a big deal. It's the first time you get to feel like a "real" optional gymnast. By focusing on those four main level 6 bar requirements—the 45-degree cast, the bar change, the B-value circling move, and a solid dismount—you're setting yourself up for a great season.
Don't get discouraged if your clear hip isn't hitting the right angle yet or if your flyaway feels a bit scary. Bars take time. Just keep your lines clean, your toes pointed, and your eyes on the high bar. You've got this! Just keep swinging, and before you know it, these requirements will feel like second nature.