Category: falling & landing

DVD – IMPACT – teaching safe landings

Gymnastics coaches are not the world experts in safe landings (martial arts coaches are better) but our gyms are the best equipped and most easily accessible venues for teaching all athletes how “not to hurt themselves” when falling.

In Gymnastics I’d name Keith Russell (Canada) as principle evangelist teaching safe landings.

But the best landings video comes from the late, great expert videographer coach Charles Minster from Tasmania.

It’s called IMPACT – Safe landings — but sadly seems to be no longer available.

Click PLAY or watch a short sample of the DVD on YouTube.

The DVD teaches landing SKILLS. Then progresses to games and activities appropriate for all athletes.

There are testimonials from Aussie Rules football coaches, for example. (It reminds me of when the famed Crusaders professional rugby team trained safety rolls at Christchurch School of Gymnastics in New Zealand.)

 

reducing ACL injuries

Dave Tilley interviews one of his medical colleagues on the topic.

Lenny Macrina on reducing ACL injuries. Lenny is a Physical Therapist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, and a highly acclaimed researcher.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (1hr)

Some highlights posted on the Masters of Sport Facebook group:

  • The weak point in the chain is the growth plate.
  • We must do better time management with how many hours we are asking adolescent athletes to train.
  • We need periodization more than ever! Athletes need the time to rest, athletes need the time to recover.
  • How much is too much?
  • Base line data helps reduce the risk of injury
  • Teaching proper jump and landing techniques can reduce the rate of injury …
  • … safe landing asks for the feet to be should width apart
  • Use all muscle groups to help land
  • The Code of Points is aesthetically based, not medically based.

designing safer Gymnastics mats

Former gymnast Van den Avont was injured in a fall.

He’s now trying to design safer mats.

Click PLAY or watch it on Facebook.

Amanar – STICK

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

Watch both of Maria’s finals vaults.

how to land Handspring double front

It’s dangerous. It ain’t easy.

Click PLAY or watch Garrett Kasiski on Twitter.

Click PLAY or watch it again on Twitter.

9 year old double front

Many male 9 year olds are safe and confident training (dangerous) double fronts.

It’s not nearly so common in WAG.

Click PLAY or watch it on Facebook.

Al Fong spotting block system

After many revisions, Al’s got them perfect now.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

details

LANDING on the FEET with control

Teach beginners FIRST and BEST how to land and fall safely.

Motorcycle Landing.

Beginners should exaggerate the STICK. Land with feet shoulder width turned out to about a 90 degree angle.

Absorb impact over a longer time period than necessary. Land soft, like a cat.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Thanks Bermuda Gymnastics Association.

ankle flexibility and landing

Dave Stewart (Power Tumbler) had most flexible ankles I ever saw. He virtually never experienced any pain no matter how short rotation he landed.

Here’s a quick and easy test.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

If your gymnast is less flexible it’s even more important they not under-rotate backwards salto landings. Experiment, too, landing more toed-out to reduce the risk of landing injury.

Temple Men’s STICK It Pledge Campaign

Support the team by pledging ANY dollar amount per stuck landing during a competition this season.

These guys are going to be incredibly motivated to STICK.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.