The balance beam is only performed competitively by female gymnasts. Beams are usually covered with leather-like material and are only four inches wide.
There are several different types of skills that are performed on balance beam. Some common skills on beam are handstand, half turn, cartwheel, leap, and side handstand.
Some harder skill are needed to move onto a higher level. Some harder skills on beam are wolf turn, back tack, back full, split jumps, and back handspring.