tumbling, tramp, diving, acrobatics, circus, cheer, dance, martial arts, X sports … and more
Max Whitlock is one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. A a six-time Olympic medalist. The most successful gymnast in his nation’s history. The winningest man on Pommels in Olympic history.
Yet after winning Olympic gold on Pommels in Tokyo, he fell into depression.
It can happen to anyone.
Read an interview:
Of all sports and physical activities, Gymnastics is one of the most challenging. That’s why our athletes are amongst the fittest.
In addition, our athletes are younger than most other sports.
Read the newest post by coach Andrew Vetter:
… Gymnastics isn’t all sunshine and rainbows; the higher you climb, the more dangerous the skills become.
With risk, comes rules.
With safety, comes standards.
These things can be taken in the wrong context and come across as strict, demanding, or unfair to athletes and their parents.
We need to keep in mind that this isn’t golf, if you miss a shot you can lose a lot more than your favourite ball. …
Medium
For me the most useful piece of equipment in any Gym is the tumbling trampoline.
High reps. Less stress. Fewer overuse injuries. Good form and technique.
Very helpful for everyone.
The Men’s Artistic Gymnastics blog linked to videos of young Chinese Artistic gymnasts competing on tumbling trampoline.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Smart.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
It was Tumbl Trak founder Doug Davis who first popularized tumbling trampolines.
In fact, Doug saw a homemade version being used by a coach from Quebec. And asked if he could start making them himself. #history
The USA Gymnastics Xcel program was developed as an alternative competitive program offering a bit more freedom for gymnasts and coaches.
GymnasticsHQ compares Xcel with the traditional USAG Development Program (formerly Junior Olympic rules):
Canada also offers Xcel. And it’s used in some other nations, including Bermuda.
Sapphire is newest. It’s being piloted in USA Regions 3, 6, 7, and 8.
If interested, check the documentation on USAGym.org.
If you know Xcel, click over to GymnasticsHQ which has a succinct summary of changes for 2022-2026.
There were a number of serious injuries in the Finals. AA Champion Asia D’Amato on vault, for one.
Read Spencer’s LIVE blog.
Coach Andrew Vetter reflects on his personal evolution and the state of Gymnastics in 2022 making these recommendations:
Read the entire thoughtful post on Medium:
Andrew is the coach who posted the viral Uptown Abs video a few years ago.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
I’m impressed with gymnasts using elements into Double Layout.
But punching out of that difficult landing is — for me — too great a risk of Achilles damage.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 