handstand homework

Dozens of coaches have been consulted on a new resource, a home handstand training program.

The first reaction of most was: “I’m not sure I want my kids doing too many handstands at home. They’ll practice bad habits.”

But I was quickly won over. This is going to work. Kids are going to do handstands at home — so let’s have them practice as correctly and safely as possible.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Just in time for Christmas, the package is available worldwide for $361. Or you can buy the pieces separately.

details

The 60 page Handstand Homework book is the best resource on handstand I’ve ever seen. Congratulations to editor Carrie Lennox.

Gymnastics Canada Strategic Plan

… has launched a new strategy designed to build on the success of the last four Olympics Games and to solidify its identity as one of three foundation sports fundamental for participation in all other sports.

Canada’s gymnastics athletes have won a total of seven medals (6 in Trampoline), including two gold, at the 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Games, putting them among the country’s top Olympic medal producers in recent years. …

The new plan identifies four key strategic objectives:

• Grow gymnastics from the foundation up and continue to improve international results

• Enhance athlete and coach support nationally through improved revenues and program spending

• Improve efficiency and productivity at every level of management and operations

• Improve services and communication with all members and stakeholders

Gymnastics Canada

Check the Plan overview. (PDF)

Details to come.

I’ve criticized the organization for poor communication. Let’s see if there’s any real improvement with the Plan.

ranking “perfect” vaults

The biggest argument against the “perfect 10” scores is that it’s always possible to do a little bit better.

BBS compares perfect routines:

In 2012, we saw five 10s awarded on vault. …

My ranking …
1. Frattone
2. Zamarripa January
3. Zamarripa Super Six
4. Stack-Eaton
5. Milliner

Click PLAY or watch Tauny Frattone on YouTube.

See the rest on Balance Beam Situation

I slightly prefer Vanessa Zamarripa – April 21, 2012 🙂

Leave comments on that page.

India McPeak (Ireland)

Full Twist:

… India competes for both Ireland and Northern Ireland, similar to top Irish male gymnast Luke Carson, she is eligible to compete for both. …

Who would be your gymnastics idols and why?

My gymnastics idol is Shawn Johnson, I love her power and style of gymnastics. I remember watching her in Salto in 2007 at the GB v USA competition, this was the first time I saw her perform her tuck full twist on beam and it has been my goal to do the same, now I have finally achieved that!

Click PLAY or watch a training Beam routine on YouTube.

What would be the highlight of your career so far to date?

Competing Internationally is always great – I’ve been to Junior Europeans and the European Youth Olympic Festival but the highlight really has to be gaining a full scholarship to Western Michigan University.

read more – 10 minutes with: India McPeak (IRE)

Gabby at Obama rally

… This embedded tweets thing is great.

McKayla’s letter to herself

U.S. Women’s National Coach is …

USA Gymnastics has reorganized management of the elite program for women’s gymnastics, dividing the responsibilities among Martha Karolyi of Huntsville, Texas, Valeri Liukin of Plano, Texas, and Stephen Rybacki of Upland, Calif.

Karolyi, the women’s national team coordinator since 2001, will continue as national team coordinator with a more exclusive focus on the national team. …

… Rybacki, who has served as chairman of the International Elite Coaches Committee and a member of the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors, will oversee the administrative duties for international competition and will travel with U.S. delegations. … He will remain based in California. …

Liukin will direct the women’s athlete developmental pipeline. He will handle the curriculum and direct all developmental camps, with a focus on education, as well as oversee the Talent Opportunity Program (TOPs). … He will remain based in Texas. …

USAG – Karolyi, Liukin, Rybacki join forces to direct women’s elite program

Looks good to me.

Nice to see Valeri taking greater responsibility, but still having the option to stay coaching in his own gym.

CA Orchard in Saskatchewan

Chris Baraniuk hosted clinician Carol-Angela Orchard at a Gymnastics Saskatchewan training camp this past weekend.

Now based out of the U.K, CA has been traveling extensively in recent years.

Stu posted a few photos on Facebook.