Doug Davis on gymnastics spotting

From the Tumbl Trak email newsletter:

… Below are some of my reasons for minimal spotting and the value I believe it brings to our young athletes. 

Minimal Spotting Approach – Rationale

Using a teaching approach to gymnastics skills that relies minimally on spotting results in:

1.  Independence:  children learn by finding out what they can do by themselves, not what an adult/teacher can do for them; dependence on a spotter is diminished, or doesn’t occur.

2.  Confidence:  when children accomplish a skill and can do it alone, this builds their confidence.

3.  Saftey:  children learn how to fall and not get hurt; children who learn what they can do by themselves do not have a false sense of security.  For example, a child knows she needs to grip the bar in order not to fall.

4.  Body Control:  children learn what it takes to move body parts (trunk, legs, arms, shoulders) and hold a position (straight, arch, hollow).  Teachers may move parts not in position, then see if a child can “find” it again…

5.  Teacher Observation:  when spotting a skill, the teacher is often too close to see what the child is doing; when the teacher stands back and observes, attempts at a teaching station, she or he can analyze body positions, timing, etc. to provide corrective feedback.

CRITICAL:  in order to teach with minimal spotting, the right equipment is necessary, as well as knowledgeable teachers.  The equipment is only as good as the teacher who can create appropriate stations with it.

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Thanks Doug.

Good advice.

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