Valentin Uzunov posted an article on The Gym Press:
… a 12 week off-season sprint training program, for preadolescent gymnasts (7-12 years of age), who have not had formal sprint training. A detailed discussion is presented on the theoretical and practical application of the key concepts to effective sprinting for vault: optimized running mechanics, start of run-up and acceleration. The methodology behind this program is based on current track and field coaching methods, scientific literature on sprinting biomechanics and preadolescence speed and strength training principles. …
It’s available to download for a few dollars. (This is a great way to support Valentin’s work studying the art and science of gymnastics coaching.)
He’s posted a number of videos on TheGymPress channel supporting this article.
One sample is a drill that I use a lot – Partner hamstring curls. Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Gymnasts often have a muscular imbalance: their quads are too strong relative to the hamstrings. Partner hamstring curls are ideal for getting close to a maximum contraction safely.
The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) is pleased to announce that the Geoff Gowan Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009 will be presented to Keith Russell …
For close to 40 years, Keith Russell has helped to guide the development of every gymnastics coach in Canada and the world over through his teachings and his mentoring, in all disciplines and at all levels of performance. At the University of Saskatchewan, Russell is a respected professor and coach. Over the years, he has introduced gymnastics to countless physical education students.
Widely published, Russell is world renowned for his ability to explain science to coaches. He has brought the Canadian system of gymnastics to innumerable international coaching courses and clinics, and he continues to educate the international gymnastics community in his new role as President of the FIG Scientific Commission.
This will sell out quickly. Sign up soon if you want to get in.
The first 12wks were excellent, with a few technical glitches. The bugs should be worked out in this 2nd term.
… Project 2012: a Web Event for Coaches highlighting the essential techniques for gymnastics success in the next quadrennium. This 12-week event brings the best coaches in the United States to your computer screen doing LIVE lectures and demonstrations on the most important cutting-edge information in our sport.
NEW! Winter Congress beginning Tuesday, November 3rd through December 8th 10am PST/12pm EST. …
Great news. The event I call a “Poor Man’s USA Gymnastics Congress” is BACK. This is the second session of 12wks.
Alison Arnold
Tammy Biggs
Chris Burdette
Kim Zmeskal Burdette
Tom Forster
Mary Lee Tracy
Russell Warfield
Mas Watanabe
Larry Nassar
… and more
Highly recommended.
With the mission of broadening gymnastics education to coaches around the country, the Academy of Coaching Excellence presents, Project 2012: a Web Event for Coaches highlighting the essential techniques for gymnastics success in the next quadrennium. This 12-week event brings the best coaches in the United States to your computer screen doing LIVE lectures and demonstrations on the most important cutting-edge information in our sport.
NEW! Winter Congress beginning Tuesday, November 3rd through December 8th 10am PST/12pm EST.
Each session consists of different topics. Participate in one or both sessions depending on your availability and interest. Coaches will learn cutting edge information from the best clinicians in our country! Sessions include 45 minutes of lecture and 15 minutes of question and answer, using live lecture, video, power point, and of course your questions, all on your computer. Watch it live or watch the recording from anywhere you’d like.
There are only 50 spots available. Ask your club to register one time for the event for all the coaches in your club. You can pay for the subscription from the professional development budget, assuming you have one.
The cost is US$199 / 6wks. (Since the value of the American dollar is dropping like a stone, it’s a better “deal” for those from other countries than Session 1.)
Gymnastics Saskatchewan in Canada has opened registration for their 2009 Coaching Congress. This event is held only every 3yrs.
Guest speakers are invited in different disciplines. This year the Keynote Speaker is Camille Martins. The closing speaker is Keith Russell. Other presenters include Michel Arsenault, Bev Dickenson, Gord Bennett and Tanya Van Drunen.
VTB is the largest Russian bank, by capital, about 77% owned by the Russian government.
September 28, 2009: The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and Russian bank VTB recently signed a partnership agreement. The agreement seals VTB’s commitment to financially supporting FIG development programmes on all five continents.
The partnership is a manifestation of the bank’s objectives; VTB already sponsors national sport federations such as gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, athletics (IAAF) and the partnership is evidence of its international vision for the sport of gymnastics, which enjoys a strong, long-standing tradition within the Russian Federation. …
VTB President and Chairman of the Management Board Andrei L. Kostin, says he is proud and honoured to have this opportunity to contribute to the development of the FIG and gymnastics worldwide, a discipline that is closely tied to the cultural and sporting heritage of the Russian Federation. Mr Kostin also sits at the head of the Russian Gymnastics Federation. …
Sounds like great news. In fact, I’m (tentatively) booked to do clinics in Asia this Fall on behalf of FIG and IOC. These funds may help partially support those.
… But does this put the Russians in a position of greater influence with the International Gymnastics Federation?
The excellent annual coach education weekend in Canada has been announced. Vancouver September 25-27, 2009.
Keynote Speakers:
Jamie Atkin (Trampoline Gymnastics Head Coach at Airdrie Edge Gymnastics Club in Alberta) and Lisa Cowan (2006 Artistic Women’s National Level Coach of the Year by Gymnastics Canada Gymnastique).
Other presenters include Andrée Montreuil, Jeff Pauliuk, Nancy Beyer, and many more.
Coast Tsawwassen Inn, 1665 – 56th Street, Tsawwassen, BC
Delta Gymnastics, 1720 – 56th Street, Tsawwassen, BC
In competition we see many more late, deductible pirouettes (the former) than pirouettes close to handstand.
An even better example she showed is Sheep Jump. Either a D-value on beam … or a NOTHING. It’s not devalued.
Judges have gotten much tougher on Sheep this code. Even if the feet are high enough, the feet close enough to the head, the head far enough back … if the gymnast is not extended in the hips, no value.
no value
gets credit
There are many more good examples and reminders Kim showed.
She goes over the controversial new landing deduction on Floor: stepping back with 1-foot into lunge position. The good ladies of the FIG never seem to consider safety when they come up with these new interpretations. This rule will certainly cause more injuries. But since it helps the judges separate the top routines in the world, … they adopt it.
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I’ve not yet heard if Project 2012 will be continuing into the Fall. I hope so.
Certainly you can sign up and go back and watch the old presentations archived online any time you want.
… Project 2012: a Web Event for Coaches highlighting the essential techniques for gymnastics success in the next quadrennium. This 12-week event, brings the best coaches in the United States to your computer screen doing LIVE lectures and demonstrations on the most important cutting-edge information in our sport. …
Sessions include 45 minutes of lecture and 15 minutes of question and answer, using live lecture, video, power point.
Widely published, Russell is world renowned for his ability to explain science to coaches. He has brought the Canadian system of gymnastics to innumerable international coaching courses and clinics, and he continues to educate the international gymnastics community in his new role as 
Tom & Reiko Beach are celebrating the release of their 100th instructional gymnastics DVD. 
