Author: Rick Mc

Career gymnastics coach who loves the outdoors, and the internet.

Addalye VanGrinsven wins ’26 U.S. Jr. Classic

  1. Addalye VanGrinsven 52.350
  2. Brooklyn Klauser 51.650
  3. Amia Pugh-Banks 51.600

Full results.

USAG – VanGrinsven tops junior all-around at 2026 U.S. Classic

Read Lauren’s LIVE blog.

Arabian Double Layout

Fantastic skill. VERY difficult to put on the competition floor.

Recall Floor Olympic Champion Kyle Shewfelt was severely injured training Arabian Double Layout at the 2007 World Championships in Stuttgart.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Esponda, Carey, Molomo

2026 U.S. Classic

Zoey Molomo from Metroplex was 3rd AA.

Laser Beam variations

Tumbl Trak invented this excellent Beam training device.

AND they keep adding new variations.

Details.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Gymnastics Spotting Checklist

First ➙ are there alternatives to hand spotting? (eg. Throw mat)

Gymnasts will be more confident in their own ability when learning skills with a minimum of spotting.

Next …

UNDERSTAND THE SKILL

BEFORE YOU TEACH THE SKILL

Are you spotting for orientation? Or to help the gymnast complete the skill?

If you must hand spot, here’s a checklist from an older Canadian National Coaching Certification Course:

  • GYMNAST PHYSICALLY, PSYCHOLOGICALLY, AND TECHNICALLY “READY?”
  • INDIVIDUAL PHASES OF SKILL BEFORE WHOLE SKILL
  • Safe landing is the most important phase for the spotter
  • ANTICIPATE “NORMAL” ERRORS (eg. Under-rotation)
  • Spot “just enough” and steadily reduce the amount of spot
  • CONTACT EARLY AND “FOLLOW THROUGH”
  • SUPPORT HAND AND ROTATION HAND
  • USE GOOD EQUIPMENT (BLOCKS, BELTS, ETC.)
  • USE SAFE SPOTTING PLATFORMS (eg. Uneven Bars, P. Bars, etc)
CSG New Zealand

Sofus HEGGEMSNES – P Bars

Fan favourite, Sofus HEGGEMSNES from Norway, has an incredible 1/1 twisting Double Tuck dismount.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.