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

on ‘sexualizing’ camera angles

The European Broadcasting Union partnered with European Athletics to release new guidance for women’s athletics coverage, with broadcasters urged to focus on performance and technical ability.

The guidelines warn against lingering shots of athletes’ bodies, low camera angles that capture revealing views, and slow-motion replays that offer little technical or storytelling value. …

New women’s athletics guidelines crack down on ‘sexualizing’ camera angles

Medal-Winning Routines at the 2026 Russian Championships

Will Russia be top 3 teams at Worlds 2026?

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

on gymnast wrist pain

David C. Rehak, MD:

… A gymnast’s wrist is inclined to injuries because many routines (1) place the body’s weight on the wrist while bending it backwards, and (2) often require fast, jolting movements to the wrists and hands. This results in injuries that are both acute, such as fractures, dislocations and sprains, and chronic (long-term).

Most acute gymnastic injuries are treated like any other sport injuries, however, two chronic injuries, dorsal wrist impingement and distal radial stress fractures, require specific treatment. …

Wrist Problems for Gymnasts

The issue for coaches is whether or not to encourage athletes with chronic pain to use dorsal-wrist-block supports like Tiger Paws or the Ezy ProBrace.

Conventional wisdom is to delay using wrist bracing as long as possible. To take them off when possible. And to specifically strengthen the wrists to handle the impact.

Some girls simply like colourful accessories. 😀

Aleah Cassmeyer – NEW Head Coach McMurry University

McMurry University named Aleah Cassmeyer as the inaugural head coach of its women’s gymnastics program.

Cassmeyer was previously an assistant coach at Long Island University (LIU).

The new NCAA Division III program is set to begin competition in Fall 2027.

Natalia Frolova 1986 Floor

Tumbl Trak Bar Release Throw Pad

Essential equipment for high level Gymnastics training.

The Tumbl Trak version is the best & safest I’ve seen.

Details.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

top MAG scores July 2026

JAPAN has so much depth!

1Oka ShinnosukeJapanNHK Trophy AA86.065
2Hashimoto DaikiJapanNHK Trophy QF85.964
3Zhang BohengChinaAsian Championships AA85.298

Mary Wright’s Gymnastics University

This NEW coach education opportunity should not be confused with USAG programs which also use the term Gymnastics University.

Mary Wright and a slate of top clinicians will be offering education materials on topics such as:

  • Competitive Gymnastics
  • Dance and Artistry
  • Wellness and Wellbeing
  • Recreational Gymnastics
  • Pathway to the NCAA

You can sign up for free by clicking the GET STARTED button on GymnasticsUniversity.com. 

Once registered, you can check out sample INSIGHTS from some of their presenters. Videos and a couple of PDFs.

Click or watch the introduction video on GymnasticsUniversity.com.

10 Beam Onodi combinations