See the 2014 photo on Facebook.
Many talent ID programs test back bridge. To predict talent.
Yet many some of the best gymnasts in the world have a poor bridge. Especially the most powerful. I recall a Russian National Power Tumbling coach telling us that he did not allow bridges in his Gym. His 3 time world champion did not know HOW to do a bridge. (We tested her.)
The only two Olympians to come out of my region were the two contenders with the worst bridges.
Having a poor bridge makes a few skills more difficult. Some movements less aesthetic.
But having a poor bridge does NOT mean lack of talent for Artistic Gymnastics. This is one of several reasons I hate the handstand to limber kick over in the WAG J.O. Compulsories.
related – Wayne Goldsmith – Talent Identification in the Western World – Over funded and Over rated.
As always, Goldsmith overstates. But his main point is valid. Coaches should be suspicious of “talent ID” programs. I like them for monitoring progress in-gym, but there are plenty of risks in putting too much emphasis on results.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 