Gymnastics Coaching.com

There’s a great new Discussion on Gymnastics Examiner – Changing the code

The main themes are:

• reducing injury
• more reward for quality
• more reward for variety

read it – The Discussion: Changing the code

I heard an even better proposal last week from Dave Arnold, many times Canadian Men’s Olympics and Worlds coach.

Difficulty score is based on only the 4 highest value skills.
Combination and Element Group Requirements eliminated.

That’s it. Dave feels almost nothing else needs to be changed.

… think about it.

I believe he’s right.

Whatever FIG decides, the open ended code cannot continue. Men’s vault is now capped at 7.20. … That’s the new perfect 10 maximum on Vault. (Note: That’s not been posted anywhere. But for new vaults the maximum awarded by FIG MTC has been 7.20, even when logic would dictate a higher value.)

Again USAG is making a push for requiring more of ‘coaches‘ than only safety certification.

The inaugural Junior Olympic Coaching Certification and Training Camp took place at the U. S. Olympic Training Center at the Karolyi’s Ranch on May 26 – 30, 2011. Thirty three coaches and forty-five gymnasts took part in this new educational program offered by USA Gymnastics.

The coaches certifications included both practical and classroom instruction under the direction of USA Gymnastics National Coaching Staff Tammy Biggs and Steve Rybacki.

This new educational opportunity emphasized on skills and progressions to train Junior Olympic athletes Levels 5 – 7. Training included hands on spotting techniques, proper body shaping, lesson plans and lectures on strength, conditioning, flexibility, periodization, sports medicine and psychology. …

read more on USAG

I bounce back and forth between Canada and the USA. The Canucks (mandatory coach certification) are better coaches, on average, than Americans. … I hear all sorts of crazy theories, based on no science whatsoever, in the States.

I really enjoyed these two Gymnastics Examiner interviews:

• Silvia Colussi-Pelaez on getting started in gymnastics and competing for Spain (VIDEO)

• Krishna Yemany on her career as a gymnast and the Canadian Championships (VIDEO)

They are teammates at Oakville Gymnastics.

Seen at Canadian Championships 2011.

Hailee Westney (on) beam as Mountie Dan D’Amour/Matthieu’s Dad walks by.

From the Facebook album: 2011 Canadian Gymnastics Championships by Grace Chiu GraceClick

(via Canadian Gymnastics Championships blog)

by site editor Rick McCharles

Update: I was invited by Gummi Brynjólfsson to attend a year end gymnastics performance at Gerpla, the biggest club in Iceland. They were celebrating the 40th anniversary of the club founding.

All 4 shows this weekend were sold out. I’ll post some video clips of the excitement soon.

The Reykjavík phone book (or catalog) is covered with gymnasts, front and back. These girls are European Champions in Team Gymnastics. They are kind of a big deal here at home.

I’m next headed north on the ringroad out of Reykjavík tonight, on the island for a couple of weeks hiking holiday.

The Canadian Gymnastics Championships just ended. After a short break, coaches and gymnasts will be into SUMMER training. (My favourite phase of the year.)

Here’s some clips from summer training 2010 at Oakville Gymnastics, Ontario.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Oakville has over 20 girls in the elite stream, coached primarily by Lorne Bobkin, Kelly & Sue Manjak.

They have girls competing this summer Worlds trials for Netherlands, Spain and Canada. Also, Japan Cup 2011. And more. Busy, busy, busy.

THANKS to Kelly for staying after Nationals to share his coaching “system” at our invite only Level 4 coaching course. It was much appreciated.

He’s finally home, catching up with his 2 young sons.

As seen at the Canadian Gymnastics Championships 2011.

(via Misc Pics by Stu Cram on Facebook)

Physically. And financially.

Watch the BBC TV feature on her Nike deal. (VIDEO)

His attempt to set a new Difficulty world record at the trampoline world cup in Russia last week.

Click PLAY or watch him on YouTube.

Thanks TrampGuy.

Youna Dufournet is one of the best swingers in the world today.

Click PLAY or watch her Bars on YouTube.

Two Shaposhnikova uprise variations. And a piked Voronin!

See more of her recent routines on Couch Gymnast.