Gymnastics – optimal number of training hours

All coaches agree there’s never enough time to include everything they want in any training plan.

We need to set priorities.

And not waste time.

GAGE is one club I’d highlight as having very efficient training.

I’m hopeful that COVID-19 reset results in many Gyms reducing training hours.  Setting more modest, achievable goals.  Goals less performance / ranking based, more personal development.

Injuries reduce the number of effective training hours.  Fewer injuries over the career = more effective hours.

… but to answer the question, I’ve always admired Shawn Johnson’s plan.  She trained maximum 24 hours / week during High School with one training / day.  And became the best gymnast in the world.

If your goal is not to become one of the best gymnasts in the world, training hours should be fewer than 24 / week.

Aimee posted Simone’s hours on Twitter.

Keith Russell often talks about finding the best coach / hour. 

With less training time, less equipment, who’s the best coach?

Click over to Facebook to see Dave Tilley’s opinion.

Zip Zap Circus, South Africa

Here’s an inspiring story about a terrific circus troupe from South Africa.

Phelelani Ndakrokra prefers not to talk about his past. But what the 23-year-old acrobat will say is that if he hadn’t joined the circus ten years ago, he’d probably either be dead or in prison by now. …

Today, Zip Zap receives funding from various donors, but receives around 40% of its revenue from ticket sales at its shows. (The loss of ticket revenue has been a blow, but a portion of the shortfall has been covered by ticket sales for online screenings of past shows.)

It has toured the world many times and entertained everyone from Mandela to Roger Federer. In 2016 they even performed for Barack Obama at the White House. Some of its performers have even gone on to world-famous circuses like the Cirque du Soleil. …

Phelelani Ndakrokra completes an aerial act at a Zip Zap circus show in Cape Town, South Africa.

Kristof Willerton’s insane tumbling

Kristof (GBR) is the 2013 World Power Tumbling champion.

He studied biochemistry at Oxford.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

new film – Perfect 10

Blythe linked to a new movie that opened August 7th featuring a teenager who’s a gymnast.

Adult themes and language.

By the looks of the trailer it won’t be of any particular interest to coaches.