What penalty is assigned for landing with support on the mat using one or two hands?

When a gymnast lands using one or two hands on the mat, this is considered a significant error in execution. The rules of gymnastics specify that a landing should be stable and controlled, with the gymnast maintaining an upright position. Supporting oneself with hands on the mat indicates a loss of control and balance during the landing, which warrants a penalty.

The penalty for this specific error is set at 0.5, as it reflects a notable deviation from the expected performance standards. This value serves to underscore the importance of a clean landing without any support. While smaller mistakes may incur less severe penalties, a two-handed or one-handed landing is more severe due to its clear indication of a lack of stability and control.

This understanding of penalties helps judges assess and score performances accurately, ensuring that the gymnast's execution aligns with established competitive standards.