Requirements › Xcel Diamond
USAG Requirements
Xcel Diamond USAG Requirements
Everything a gymnast needs on each event for Xcel Diamond — the official-style requirement list, broken down the way a coach actually teaches it.
Vault
- Minimum front handspring vault over the table -- see current Xcel vault chart for options and start values
Bars
- 5 "A" + 2 "B" value skills
- A clear support skill finishing minimum 45° from vertical (near-handstand)
- One circling skill minimum "B" value (not mount/dismount)
- A release, pirouette, or second circling skill minimum "B" value
- Salto or hecht dismount from the high bar
Beam
- 5 "A" + 2 "B" value skills
- Minimum 360° turn on one foot
- Dance series with two elements (same or different)
- One jump or leap reaching 155° split (may be in dance series)
- One acro skill with flight (isolated or in series) AND an acro series with/without flight -- both required
- Salto or aerial dismount
Floor
- 5 "A" + 2 "B" value skills
- Two separate acro connections each with 2 directly connected flight elements, OR one flight pass + one "C" salto
- Two different saltos -- one must be minimum "B" value
- Dance passage with two elements -- one a leap showing 155° split
- Minimum "B" turn on one foot (e.g., 540°)
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What are the USAG Xcel Diamond requirements?
Xcel Diamond requires specific skills on Vault, Bars, Beam, and Floor set by USA Gymnastics. This page lists every required skill by event, and KINETIC breaks down exactly how to teach each one — cues, drills, common errors, and spotting.
Is Xcel Diamond compulsory or optional?
Xcel Diamond is part of the USAG Xcel program. Compulsory levels (1–5) use set routines; optional levels (6–10) and Xcel let gymnasts build their own routines within the requirements.
How do you move up from Xcel Diamond?
Xcel gymnasts move up at their coach’s discretion once they meet the division’s requirements and scores.
How do I teach the Xcel Diamond skills?
Open Xcel Diamond in KINETIC free to see each skill’s teaching progression — the correct position, coaching cues, drills, and error fixes. Level 1 is free; unlock every level for $4.99/mo.
Common Xcel Diamond deductions
Judges take small deductions for form on almost every skill. These are the basics to clean up first — they apply across vault, bars, beam, and floor:
- Bent legs — keep the legs straight and squeezed together.
- Bent arms — lock the elbows on handstands, casts, swings, and supports.
- Toes not pointed — point the feet on every jump, leap, hold, and landing.
- Legs or feet apart — keep legs together unless the skill calls for a split.
- Loss of balance — wobbles, extra arm swings, or a foot coming off the beam.
- Steps or hops on landing — stick the landing — a step, hop, or lunge is a deduction.
- Low chest or poor posture — stay tall and lifted through the whole routine.
- Not enough height or extension — show full amplitude and finished, stretched shapes.
KINETIC breaks down the exact deductions and error-fixes for every Xcel Diamond skill — with the drills to fix them.