What is the overall performance score in wushu taolu?
I · Intermediate · How a routine is scored · 3 of 4Overall performance is the 3-point mark for how the whole routine looked. Five judges assess power, coordination, rhythm, choreography, style and, where music is used, how well the movement fits it. Marks fall into three bands: superior from 2.51 to 3, average from 1.91 to 2.5 and inferior from 1.01 to 1.9.
How it works
- Five group B judges: each gives one mark for the whole routine.
- What they look at: power, coordination, rhythm, choreography, style and accompanying music.
- Three classes, nine levels: each band is divided into three levels.
- Superior: techniques correct, strength sufficient, force issued smoothly, eyes, hands, body and footwork coordinated, rhythm distinct.
- Average: the same qualities "in general".
- Inferior: techniques incorrect, strength insufficient, rhythm indistinct.
- The score: the average of the middle three marks, with the highest and lowest dropped.
- Shown: each judge's mark to two decimal places, the final to three.
- Tie-breaker: the performance score is used to separate athletes level on the final score.
The glossary has the overall performance, fa jing, the judge groups, the routine, the taolu ties and taolu.
Tricky cases
Can a routine with a fall still get a superior performance mark?
Yes. The fall is deducted by group A. Group B judges the whole routine on its own criteria.
One judge gives 3.0 and the other four give 2.6. What counts?
2.6. The 3.0 is the highest mark and is dropped, as is one 2.6 as the lowest.
Is music compulsory?
It depends on the event. Where the regulations require music, the routine must have it. No music, or music with vocals, costs 0.5 point.
Do the judges confer before marking?
No. Judges are to judge "independently".
Why the rule exists
A routine can avoid every listed error and still be flat. This mark rewards what the deduction tables cannot measure: speed that looks dangerous, stillness that looks solid and a style true to its tradition. Dropping the top and bottom marks limits the effect of one generous or harsh judge.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Superior | 2.51 to 3.00 | Judging Methods Table 10-2-1 |
| Average | 1.91 to 2.50 | Judging Methods Table 10-2-1 |
| Inferior | 1.01 to 1.90 | Judging Methods Table 10-2-1 |
| Events with and without difficulty | The same 3 points and the same criteria | Taolu Rules Art. 22; 23 |
From the rule book
International Wushu Federation, Wushu Taolu Competition Rules and Judging Methods (2024), Articles 22 to 25 and 46, and the Judging Methods, Chapter 10, Section 2, Table 10-2-1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: Wushu Taolu Competition Rules and Judging Methods (2024) (PDF, Chinese and English).