tumbling, tramp, diving, acrobatics, circus, cheer, dance, martial arts, X sports … and more
Rick McCharles presented a session called “Building a Gymnastics Body”.
Gymnasts are the “fittest” athlete. Gymnastics coaches can use our same programs to train athletes from other disciplines.
To see Rick’s PowerPoint presentation click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
In my never ending quest to buy — or build — a trampoline board that does not break after the first couple of weeks, here’s the latest candidate:
The TRAMPOLINE BOUNCE BOARD is safe to use on the trampoline mat. This is a fun new game for training skateboarders (great for grab tricks), kite surfers, snowboarding, water surfing and skiing. Practice “new moves” on your backyard trampoline before hitting the water or slopes.
Snowboard instructors, wakeboard competitors, gymnastic coaches are all impressed ….
Flexes with the trampoline mat, but returns to its orginal shape. Try this also on our inflatable
water trampolines and have a blast! …
(Designed for 8 – 18 years, but older kids will love it too!)
Waterproof (Durable, Soft, Closed cell foam construction) Strong and Flexible with Great Shock Absorption
Adjustable Foot Straps with Heavy Duty Hook & Loop Closure
Slip Resistant Fabric Bottom.
more information on TrampolineSales.com
Leave a comment if you have tried this model.
Coach Rick McCharles is passionate about making gymnastics safer for athletes and coaches. Many “traumatic” and “overuse” injuries can be prevented.
Our main strategy is to modify training equipment to allow “more reps with less stress”.
To see Rick’s presentation notes click PLAY or watch them on YouTube.
Though the Olympics are wonderful, I don’t think much of the IOC. One of the least democratic organizations in the world, it badly needs reform.
I disagree with those like Brian Martin who want to abolish the Olympics altogether. But everyone needs to pressure the IOC to improve.
Alternatives to the Olympics should be encouraged too. The X Games have potential and problems.
I was unhappy when the Goodwill Games were cancelled after 2001.
And what about the biggest alternative of all — The World Games?
The World Games, first held in 1981, are an international multi-sport event, meant for sports that are not contested in the Olympic Games. …
Some of the sports that were on the program of the World Games eventually made it as Olympic sports (such as triathlon) or have been Olympic sports in the past (like tug of war). Participation in past World Games is included in the evaluation criteria used to select new Olympic sports adopted by the IOC on August 12, 2004. However, with the current position of the IOC to limit the Olympic Games to 10,500 participants, it is unlikely than many of the World Games sports will be elevated to the Olympic sports.
Sports (sometimes) included are: Synchronized trampoline, Tumbling, Sport aerobics, Sports acrobatics, Individual rhythmic gymnastics, Artistic roller skating, Wakeboarding and some martial arts.
Organizers of the next World Games, Taiwan 2009 have posted a somewhat goofy promotional video.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
World Games – official website
Rick McCharles recommends young gymnasts do high repetitions of easy drills in order to become great vaulters.
Keep the horse as low as possible. Do many drills with excellent form and body position. Focus on the arm action on the beat board. Sprint drills should be included every work-out.
To see Rick’s presentation notes click PLAY or watch them on YouTube.
More information on vaulting.
A blast from the past.
Nadia Comaneci – Romanian Gymnast on Flickr – Photo Sharing! – londonconstant
Coach Rick McCharles led a brainstorming session on what kinds of programs can be offered at gymnastics clubs to improve financial stability.
We have a wonderful “product” and need to be better at marketing what we do to non-gymnasts.
To see Rick’s presentation notes click PLAY or watch them on YouTube.
More club governance.
Is there any sport training venue more difficult to keep clean than a gymnastics gym?
It’s near impossible to keep ours clean.
If you have suggestions, please leave a comment below.
From the Edinburgh Fringe festival, Kataklo is an athletic dance theatre group from Italy, composed of former gymnasts.
from a flickr photoset posted by Kenny Maths
More photos of the Kataklo troupe.
I know coaches who spend a lot of time pushing kids over on pull-over. Every child seems to want to do one. Even those who do not yet have the strength to pull themselves upside down.
source unknown
I refuse to lift any child up on to a bar (they must climb) and I try my best not to spot pullover. My philosophy is not to spot anything for recreation kids.
That means I set-up folding mats in order that the smallest kids can reach the bar on their own.
That means I must be very innovative in drills and equipment set-ups in order to find ways for the kids to get around on their own.
For as long as possible, emphasize other, easier skills and drills on bars. If you have low rings, pull up to inverted hang is an ideal progression.
When you must start the pullover, have beginners do a slow half forward hip circle (the opposite of pullover).
Next have them walk-up a “ramp” of some description (perhaps an elevated beat board), trying to touch hips to the bar. Several times in series.
Lastly I will (reluctantly) spot. A few repetitions.
Eventually the kids can spot each other while I oversee the entire class.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 