LOTs of work for the spotter.
Click PLAY or watch it on Facebook.
Spot too many and some kids get dependent.
The real coaching challenge is removing the spot. Having kids get through the first several hundred alone without hitting the Bar.
single spotting flyaways
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Gymnastics Coaching.com 
cripes, if I were a kid, that “progession” would scare the hell out of me too! Seems like we have to go over this every other year or so…..the coach in the picture should be higher (standing on a box or lower bar)…..the progression is first a good back salto on the trampoline then transfer to the bar….the KEY is when to let go and the gymnast needs to see it visually….he/she picks a spot (sprinkler pipe, heat vent, light, et.al.) at a 45 degree angle from where they’re hanging, and when the feet intersect that point, just release the bar…..the spot is left hand under the hips/lower back, right hand (if right handed spot) in overgrip on the upper arm of the gymnast….they will land on their feet and THEY then (and almost immediately) have control of skill…..holding kids semi-inverted in the air, then dropping them to their back? would you teach a salto on tramp, tumble-trak, or floor that way?
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i wholeheartedly disagree. This is an extremely effective and valuable teaching method if done correctly and if the spotter has the physical strength, skill and shoulder health to make it safe. I have taught many gymnasts a fly away safely and effectively using the method in the video. I would argue you spotting technique makes it very difficult to prevent a gymnast from hitting the bar if they hold on too long or pull the bar towards themselves.
Also yes there are similar ways to teach a salto or layout on the tumble track and track which are very safe, effective for shaping and takeoff actions, and build trust and confidence between the coach and gymnast.
I don’t think it is necessary to spot in this way, but if you have the means to it can be a very effective tool to have in your toolbox. Also if the kids in this video are anything like my gymnasts they have a lot of trust in the spotting of the coach and are not terrified.
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I would love someone to make progression videos with a small female coach and gymnast that is bigger and heavier than them. We are thankfully encouraging more diverse body types and ages but most progression videos still show male coaches with little gymnasts.
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Pat,
1. a coach doesn’t need to have “the physical strength, skill, and shoulder health to make it safe” in order to make it safe. The key is for the gymnast to know when to let go and if you review my post, the VISUAL reference is 80% of the skill…..
2. the remaining 20% is simply opening your grip(release) and the rotation from 45 degrees will put the gymnast on their feet…..if the gymnast simply lets go at the correct (visually verified by them) time, there is no pulling into the bar
2a. in the event that a gymnast attempts to pull in, the right hand overgrip hold on the gymnast’s arm allows the coach to controlled pull them away from the bar
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To point number one: I am referring directly to the safety of the spotting technique seen in the video. I am well aware it is possible to teach a safe fly away without spotting it/with minimal spotting.
I agree that the timing of the release is important, however i also think the timing and shaping of the tap need to be considered. Rotation is not a given based on a 45 degree release point. The release point will only ensure the parabolic trajectory of the center of mass (in this case up and away from the bar). The shaping and tap of the gymnast will determine the rotation.
In the video above the drill shown is great for teaching release timing, correct tap and shaping. You don’t need to teach a fly away like this, however it’s a very valid and useful method in my opinion.
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