preschoolers should not do back bridge

Beth Gardner is a preschool gymnastics guru. Here’s her take on the back bend:

… bridging in preschoolers. It has been such a controversial issue for a long time, and it is a never ending debate among coaches.

…

The current industry standard for bridging recommends that children do not start bridging until age 5. The industry standard USED to be based on the concept of “developmentally correct” in which the child was allowed to do a bridge if they could place themselves into the bridge position on their own. This, however, is no longer the standard. …

Bridging in Preschoolers – GymSmarts blog

I agree with the general age guideline. However, every gym has kids under age-5 that do back bridges easily and safely.

My own policy for all once a week gymnasts is not to REQUIRE bridges. Offer recreation gymnasts alternative stretches.

I don’t “ban” back bridges, but I also do not “push” back bridges.

In fact, even competitive gymnasts are better off doing bridge with the feet elevated. It results in better technique later on many skills including walkovers. We want gymnasts to use upper back and shoulder flexibility, not the lower back.

Leave a comment if you have a position on this issue.

original bridge photo – Picassa