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Step 1
Keep your eyes forward when mounting the beam. Whether you use a springboard or a running mount, you should keep your head up and stay focused on a spot at eye level at the end of the beam. Looking down at the beam creates as sense of unbalance.
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Step 2
Square your hips with the balance beam. This means you should turn your hips forward, in line with the beam when you are performing. Any twisting to either side will cause you to become unstable. If you are unsure, ask someone to watch your hips as your practice.
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Step 3
Hold your arms straight out at shoulder height or slightly lower while walking or running on the beam. Both hands should be at the same level, palms up or down, depending upon your preference or routine requirements.
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Step 4
Focus on the end of the balance beam to maintain your center of balance. You will be able to see the beam in your peripheral vision without lowering your eyes. As soon as you complete a turn or stunt, focus once more on the end of the beam for balance.
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Step 5
Step lightly on the balls of your feet with ankles held taught and feet slightly turned outward. Any inward turning of the foot will cause your hips to twist and you can lose balance. With your feet turned outward, you will maintain stability.
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Step 6
Raise your arms immediately by your ears, straight, when you finish a tumbling stunt such as a cartwheel. One of the most difficult transitions for a beginning gymnast is returning to a standing position and removing her hands from the beam. Practice pushing off the beam with your hands and bringing them immediately upwards. Your hips must remain square.
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Step 7
Push off the beam on tumble-dismounts, like round offs. Practice grabbing the beam within the last 6 inches with tips of the fingers slightly over the edge, gripping for support. When your body clears the vertical position, push hard with your shoulders to lift and create height and distance in your dismount.
