Although not a requirement, some of the better gymnast move outside the two rails, performing handstands and kips on only one bar. When well executed, these movements mark a good performance. The most difficult skills require the gymnast to lose sight of the bars for a moment, as in double front and back saltos. The parallel bars stand 195 cm high. Each bar is 350 cm long, and the two bars can be adjusted to between 42 and 52 cm apart.
Many skills require coordinating execution with the flex of the bars.
Losing sight of the bars makes it very difficult to re-grasp the bars and continue into the next swing skill. Routines should contain of swinging parts without stops. The parts are generally call giant swings, with more specific terms applying to changes in grip, direction and body position. The gymnast is also required to perform an in-bar skill like a stalder circle. The higher level routine will have multiple release moves.