new Cheng Fei interview

You’ve got to love the 9 time 5 time World Champion. She wears her heart on her (gym) sleeve.

Cheng Fei at Yangtze Forum to Promote Gymnastics in China – Coach Lu Told Me to Be Consistent

Cheng Fei

related – Couch Gymnast – May 2013 Birthday Profile: Cheng Fei

landing ‘short’

For double somersaulting skills where gymnasts MIGHT under-rotate (e.g. Tsukahara, Yurchenko, double back, etc.) I’ll often count routines where gymnast “stand” (land on the feet) or “over-rotate”.

Over-rotating I call a “good mistake“. Under-rotating a BAD mistake. 😦

Tsuk short short landing

Those graphics come from Dave Tilley’s article on “anterior talocrural impingement”:

… Don’t let that term intimidate you, when broken down it’s not too bad.

“Anterior” means the front of the body, “talocrural” simply refers to the major ankle joint that allows the foot to move up and down, and “impingement” means that the joint or other tissue structures are being pushed on each other usually resulting in pain. So, pain in the front of the ankle that is felt when the bones or foot structures get pressed too hard on each other. …

Actually, you probably will be intimidated when you look at the full article. 🙂

IMPACT BASED ANKLE PAIN IN GYMNASTS: UNDERSTANDING WHY AND POSSIBLE WAYS TO ASSIST WITH INJURY REDUCTION

handstand in Namibia

I’m on holiday.

Rick Handstand Namibia
Big Daddy (325m high)

There seems to be something wrong with the line of gravity in these dunes. 🙂

Just arrived Swakopmund, Namibia’s Adventure capital.

Will be dropping by the gym today. American coach Joe Softich is here right now. The club is happy to host visiting coaches if you’re planning a future Namibian holiday.

Louis Smith is back

Louis Smith talks to BGtv about his return to gymnastics and his plans for 2014.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

I was a bit of a doubter regarding his chances to make the Commonwealth Games team. But am slowly getting convinced Louis is serious.

jump 1/4 twist drill on Beam

From the fantastic Joe Langley YouTube channel. Possibly the very best source of free coaching videos on the internet. At one time it cost $120/yr to subscribe to those.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

(via Swing Big)