I’d first seen motorized mat lifts in the nordic nations. For Team Gym.
GREAT idea.
The main progression for Vault is to train uphill. On to soft mats.
Taiso in Saskatoon has a permanent Vault table. It works extremely well.
But if you don’t have space for a permanent set-up, consider something custom like they are using at Clemson.
Tired of stacking mats for vaulting drills? Watch how @ClemsonGymnastics incorporated hydraulic lifts under their resi pits to adjust the mat height with a push of a button! We've also done this using an airbag w/ lifting chambers. Contact us for your custom-designed solution! pic.twitter.com/ec6tdICFQg
If you needed any more confirmation that U.S. gymnastJordan Chiles is the veteran leader of the U.S. squad at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, look no further than the Estadio Nacional Friday evening (20 October) as the 22-year-old carries Team USA’s flag in the Opening Ceremony.
“Honestly, I was in shock. I was in awe. … Chiles told Olympics.com Thursday (19 October) following her squad’s podium training session. …
“It just brings me back to when Miss Simone [Biles] did it for her 2016 era,” she said later. “I’ve always dreamed of being able to be a flag bearer.” …
Uche is from Maryland, competed for Michigan. But he traveled to Nigeria twice a year from a young age and took part in domestic competitions.
Now retired, Nigeria is looking for the next Uche Eke. And the next Simone Biles. 😀
Following Worlds Antwerp I flew to Benin City, Nigeria to lead an FIG WAG / MAG Artistic Age Group Camp.
I’ve led many of these camps in developing nations around the world. Nigeria was the best organized, so far.
This is a group of coaches with mixed resources. Training from 6 – 24 hours / week maximum.
I wanted to challenge the top coaches while not intimidating those with few hours, limited set-up, take-down equipment.
The 3-year-old Gym at Ogbemudia stadium is the best in the nation.
Click PLAY or watch get a glimpse on YouTube. Indoor drone footage. Very cool.
In fact, the main factor holding back Nigeria is lack of training facilities.
Entrepreneurs have not yet opened many private gyms in Nigeria the way they have in Egypt and other developing nations.
Course Content
As many of the top coaches had done the Age Group Camp with me previously, I reviewed all sections having them practice on samples of the Physical, Technical, and Competition Routines.
A HUGE improvement from before the pandemic is having the Age Group PDF documents linked to YouTube. All coaches were quickly comfortable finding and working with the FIG videos from the PDF.
Next we looked at best practice introducing BASICS to beginners. The Age Group program offers everything you need from pre-competitive up to FIG Junior.
Fast Forward
Nigeria plans to compete at World Cup competitions in 2024.
Their top male gymnasts are world class on Floor and Vault.
My thanks to Hardy Fink, the mastermind behind the FIG Age Group program in all disciplines.
This content is a terrific resource and FREE to every coach online.
Check out the FIG Age Group program. Download the PDFs in English, Français, or Español.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 