I’ve never liked this drill. Especially NOT the GAME of racing in bridge position.
It has little value for gymnasts. Encourages bad form, bad technique.
And some kids have been injured while attempting it.
I’ll always recall when the great Russian Power Tumbling coach, Skakoun Senior, told us at a clinic in Canada:
“If you can do a bridge, get out of my gym. You can’t tumble.”
His demonstrator, a 3-time World Champion, did not even know how to get into position to try a back bridge.
That’s going too far, in my opinion. There are powerful tumblers who can do a back bridge, but it’s not essential.
related – discussion on Chalk Bucket
Gymnastics Coaching.com 