About Tony Retrosi
Gym Momentum International Entry
GYM MOMENTUM CAMP- ITALY!!
This year we are taking GYM MOMENTUM CAMP on the road! We will be hosting a camp in Civitavecchia ITALY!
All Level 8- Elite and NCAA are welcome.
Coaches will be bilingual or have a translator. Current Staff Includes:
- Camilla Ugolini, Italian Olympic Coach.
- Marco Massara, Italian Olympic Coach.
- Ryan Dougherty, Italian National Team Coach
- Ambra Buglioni, Italian National Team Coach
- Tony Retrosi (ME!) Italian National Team Coach, Former Swiss National Team Head Coach.
- Jeremy Mosier, Canadian National Team Coach
- Jacobo Giron, USA National Team Coach
- Terin Humphrey, USA National Staff Member, USA Olympian.
- MORE TO COME!
COST per GYMNAST $270 USD. Includes all training. Pizza on Friday, T-shirt and Leotard.
COST per COACH 110 USD. Includes Pizza on Friday, T-shirt. Question and Answer Session with Staff.
AND FOR PARENTS AND SIBLINGS TRAVELING!
- Friday Night Pizza and Prosecco at the gym.
- Saturday BEACH DAY at Tritone Beach Club in Ladispoli. (A private beach club 20 minutes from gym.) Beach chair and umbrella included. They have a restaurant and bar at the club. Picture yourself sipping an Aperol Spritz at the Beach! Transportation included.
- Sunday OLD TOWN CIVITAVECCHIA TOUR.
COST FOR PARENT PROGRAM $150 USD.
HOUSING information will be out soon. There is an Air BnB 2 blocks from the gym.
E-mail me for more information. tretrosi@gymmomentum.com
Other Important Information for our North American Guests.
Civitavecchia is a 45 minute train ride from Rome’s Termini Station. I would plan on arriving a few days early to see the sites in Rome. I am happy to make my recommendations. Then arrive to Civitavecchia on Friday. I am trying to organize housing in a way where you will not need a car.
Lunch for the gymnasts is NOT provided. There is a restaurant and a grocery store across the street from the gym where everyone ate last year. If you would like your daughter to eat at the gymnastics house with the gymnasts who live and train there I can make those arrangements but at this time I am not sure the fee.
USECA-CON June 21-22, 2025
In conjunction with the United States Elite Coaches Association, Magma Gymnastics in Galloway NJ will be the national host gym of USECA-CON, a two day training clinic for COACHES and GYMNASTS!
Competitive gymnasts of all levels will have 8 hours of training in the gym with world renowned coaches. Coaches have all the hands on training PLUS a convention with activities and special events.
This will be a truly unique experience for coaches and gymnasts alike! Train with some of finest coaches in the world who have had trained World and Olympic Champions.
Gymnasts receive a special apparel gift and chances to win more prizes!
Each 8 hour day includes one full meal and special activities in addition to vault, bars, beam, floor, dance, trampoline, conditioning, and awareness drills.
Join the costume gymnastics contest! Name the skill game! Attend informative panels! Dance challenge and so much more!
The newest Magma facility 20,000 square feet currently undergoing even more renovations. Photos of the gym are COMING SOON! The gym is located at Risley Square Unit 500, 319 E Jimmie Leeds Rd, Galloway, NJ, 18 minutes from Atlantic City and near NJ best beaches.
USECA-CON $399
SATURDAY 12pm Registration & Introduction (schedule is tentative and order/events may change)
12:30-1:00 Warmup Stretch
1:00-1:45, 1:45-2:30, 2:30-3:15pm First 3 events, groups by level/age: Floor/Bars/Beam (Coaches lectures upstairs on various topics)
3:30-4:15, 4:15-5, 5:00-5:45pm Second 3 events, Vault/Dance/Trampoline (Coaches Spotting Clinics)
6:00-7:00 DINNER & Panel Q&A Coaches
7:00-7:45 Open Training
7:45-8:00pm Cooldown Closing Comments
SUNDAY 10am Registration & Introduction
10:30-11:00 Warmup Stretch
11-11:45, 11:45-12:30, 12:30-1:15 First 3 events, groups by level/age: Vault/Trampoline/Bars (Coaches spotting clinics)
1:15-2:15 LUNCH & Panel Q&A Gymnasts
2:15-2:30 Light Warm Up.
2:30-3:15, 3:15-4, 4-4:45pm Second 3 events, Floor/Bars Shaping/Beam (Coaches lectures)
4:45-5:15 Costume Games & Challenges (wear costumes that allow you do to gymnastics)
5:15-5:45 Brain or Brawn Conditioning Contests (Prizes)
5:45-6pm Closing Comments Thank You
Staff Includes
Tony Retrosi
John Wojtczuk
John Min
Ashlie Grimes
Craig Tetreault
Brian Sateriale
Dr. Ali Arnold
Nicole Langevin
AND MORE!
3 Keys To Being a GREAT Coach
As the New Year approaches, it is time to look back AND look forward. My goal for the new year has been the same for many years. BE A BETTER COACH. Doc Massimo always told me that I had to focus on the things I could control. Being a better coach is something I can always work on.
I have always felt that a good coach is simply a good teacher. I have written and lectured on COACHES as EDUCATORS many times. Maybe it’s time I dust off that lecture and start doing it again.
Through out my career (35+ years) I have been able to meet some truly great coaches. Some I visited in their gyms. Some I met at conferences or competitions and some have become friends. Watching them interact with the gymnasts and other coaches is a thing a beauty. Here are my takeaways.
One: Relationships with the gymnasts. Great teachers truly care about their students as people. Great coaches need to do the same. We need to build relationships with the athletes. We may not be close to all of them but we need to try to build relationships with as many as possible. We need to listen to the gymnasts. It’s not just about the struggles the gymnast is having in the gym, thought that is important. We need to be available to hear about their struggles with life, with school, and with what happens today. We must respect the gymnasts as people. This is how we build a relationship.
Two: We must be enthusiastic about coaching gymnastics, working with gymnasts and the event we are on. This can be difficult at the younger levels where coaches have to “do it all”. Great coaches can fake it to some extent because they are passionate about enough of what they are teaching to know what that feels like. Passion is contagious. It also means that one wants to share that passion as well as the specific knowledge they are trying to share. Gymnasts who have a relationship with a coach will naturally want to learn what is being taught so enthusiastically.
Three: Innovation. I would rather have one coach with 20 years experience than 20 coaches with one year of experience. The great coaches I have met are constantly innovating. They may start with a canned program. One they have taught many times before. Then they add, subtract, and move things around. More often though, they make their own. Individual to the current group and athletes they are working with. Oh, sure, they abide by necessary standards but they teach their own way. They are rarely satisfied. At this point in my career, I very rarely use notes to teach off of. I have been down this broad countless times. Then I pick up on a cue and I start modifying the plan to fit the kids. When we get a new piece of equipment in the gym I try to see how many different ways I can use it. When I am lecturing you’ll often find me modifying my presentation, before teaching that material again. I write down what worked and what didn’t work and then I go on.
The other day my friend is WENDY BRUCE-MARTIN sent me a drill she saw on instagram. It was a drill that she and I did years ago when we were coaching in Switzerland. The person was presenting this as something NEW. I wasn’t bothered. A great coach will borrow from other great coaches and teachers (although it would have been nice to have been given the credit). A great coach is not afraid to find ideas from others and fit them into how and where they teach. I have lectured often throughout the world on gymnastics and education and one thing I almost always see is that the coaches who are giving the lectures can often be found sitting in on other lectures. They are always learning. Always looking for a better, more efficient way. They are talking to others in the hallway, sharing meals and activities outside the conference. They are always listening and learning.
Bonus: The great teachers and coaches share their knowledge with others. They will share their plan and philosophy. They share not for ego but because there is something about being a coach that just makes one want to help everyone become better. Better about teaching. Better at knowing things. In the end, If I teach you something and your gymnasts get better- I need to innovate and up my game to be better.
Seek out the great teachers. Become a great teacher. Make the world a better place. Make that part of your New Year’s Resolution.
USA Gymnastics. Where Do We Go From Here?
For the last 10+ years I have been working with National and Olympic Teams in Italy and Switzerland. My experience in Italy was amazing. A small country with not a very large gymnastics base coming in 2nd at the Olympics was amazing. In the past I have had members of the US National Team. I understand that success isn’t just a product of talent but also a carefully crafted strategy that encompasses both short-term and long-term planning. As we look toward the horizon of the 2028, 2032 Olympic Games and beyond, it’s crucial that we lay down a robust framework that will ensure USA Gymnastics not only continues to compete but excels on the world stage. The trajectory for USA Gymnastics must be about more than just individual talent; we need a comprehensive system that fosters excellence at every level.
Short-Term Planning: Building a Strong Foundation
In the immediate future, we need to ensure that every gymnast, from our youngest members to elite competitors, is developing a solid skill set. This means focusing on fundamentals, emotional resilience, and teamwork. Our training programs must emphasize the importance of consistency and personal bests, with regular assessments to inform individual training plans. Coaches need to be aligned in their goals, so every athlete benefits from a cohesive approach.
Long-Term Vision: A 12-Year Commitment
We need a 12-year plan that includes not only training for elite athletes but also robust pathways for youth and junior gymnasts. It’s absolutely critical that we identify and nurture talent early, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and mindset to thrive at the highest level. This plan should outline essential skills and training methods necessary to succeed at the highest level. Preparation for international competition must be holistic, fostering both physical and psychological readiness. Coaches need to work together over time to adjust the path as necessary.
Technical Skills and Innovation: Gymnastics by its very nature is a dynamic sport and is evolving rapidly. To stay ahead, our gymnasts must be well-versed in advanced techniques and routines that push boundaries. This includes a focus on artistry, execution, and the ability to perform under pressure. Innovation in choreography and skill difficulty will be key to standing out at the Olympics. I envision athletes mastering advanced acrobatics, unique combinations, and innovative choreography that take advantage of scoring opportunities. We must also recognize the increasing importance of artistry and presentation. Staying ahead of trends will require constant learning and adaptation, ensuring our athletes can execute even the most complex routines flawlessly.
Mental Toughness: The mental aspects of gymnastics are just as crucial as the physical. We must integrate mental conditioning into training programs from an early age. Gymnasts need to develop resilience, focus, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. Regular mental health check-ins and support should be a standard practice.
Mentorship and Coaching Excellence
To elevate our training standards, we need to prioritize mentorship for coaches. We have an incredible wealth of knowledge from past coaches who led us to success. It’s vital to create mentorship programs that pair experienced coaches with emerging talent. This will not only uplift our current coaching staff but also ensure that the next generation of coaches understands what it takes to compete on the world stage.Sharing knowledge and experiences is vital for fostering a culture of excellence, which is why we value the input from our established coaches as well as those currently on the floor.
High Standards are Non-Negotiable
For both gymnasts and coaches, high standards must be steadfast. Expectations should be clear and rooted in accountability. We need to cultivate an environment where athletes strive for technical precision and artistic expression while coaches reflect on their teaching methods and program effectiveness. We must commit to uncompromising standards for performance, ethics, and safety in training. Establishing a clear framework for expectations that will elevate the entire program. Continuous evaluation and improvement should be the mantra for both athletes and coaches.
Team dynamics play a huge role in success. Building a supportive environment where athletes can thrive and feel valued is essential. This includes fostering teamwork and camaraderie, ensuring that each gymnast and coach feels they are part of something greater than themselves.
The Home Olympics — A Call to Action
Imagining a scenario where the USA doesn’t stand atop the podium at the Los Angeles Olympics is unfathomable. We must channel the spirit, discipline, and strategies from our past successes to secure our future. This means not just reviving earlier plans but adapting them to meet modern challenges. The continuous feedback and insight from coaches—both past and present—will be our compass as we navigate this journey.
In unity and purpose, we shape the athletes of tomorrow. Let’s commit together to this vision, ensuring that USA Gymnastics remains a powerhouse in our sport. It’s time to elevate our game and define a legacy that inspires the next generations. We are prepared. We are focused. And we are ready to take it to the next level.
On Coaching and My Career
Coaching has been my life for 35+ years. Even before I formally began coaching and was still an athlete, I tried to think like a coach and learn the why I was doing what I was doing. I had a lot of fears and my coaches were pretty busy so I forced myself to understand WHY I was doing something and what needed to be done to change it.
Coaching is a profession that puts an emphasis on relationships and teaching. As I reflect on my career and what I have seen of others I believe that coaching is more than a profession, IT IS A CALLING. A calling with great responsibility and equally great rewards. For me it has been a privilege to coach for as long I have and be associated with the athletes, I have been fortunate to work with.
Today I am concerned about the state of coaching. For many younger coaches coaching has shifted from being transformational to being transactional. The outcome has taken precedence over the process. There too much emphasis on the sizzle, not enough on the substance of sport performance. There are some great young coaches out there who certainly understand this. A few come to mind who are understand the process and continue learning.( Ryan, Andrew, Josh, to name a few). They understand that just because they see it on YouTube it doesn’t necessarily make it correct. They look deeper into the issue to get to the root of the problem.
Look for differences not similarities. Strip away all things that don’t matter and get down to the core issues. What you don’t see may be as important as what you do see!
For me coaching is process. It is a process with strong foundation in pedagogy, after all coaching is teaching. It is supported by science not driven by science. It is forged in experience that is proven and tested in the competitive arena. It is managing complexity and harnessing chaos. The BEST coaches are great teachers. The sport is just the subject.
The coach’s classroom is the field, the track, or in our case the gym. Great coaches are not “know it all” complexifiers, rather they are “learn it all” simplifiers. They understand it is not about marginal gains, it is staying grounded and never straying far from fundamentals. Great coaching is repeating the basics brilliantly each day. It may not be exciting and make a highlight reel, but it will produce results.
Finally, here are some thoughts that will make you a better coach:
- Stay Basic
- Stay Hungry
- Stay Focused
- Focus on the “Can Do”
- Stay Uncomfortable
- Stay You
- Stay Passionate
- Maintain a Child’s Curiosity
Finally take some time to smell the roses (or have a gelato) and appreciate the great calling you have chosen!
Alberta Gymnastics Federation High Performance Camp.
Alberta Gymnastics Federation High Performance Camp. November 2024
In order to get the most out of our time together I wanted to give my plan for the weekend and my expectations.
UNEVEN BARS PLAN, EXPECTATIONS, and RESOURCES.
EXPECTATIONS for Training Camp:
I would like All levels to be able to show me at least 1/2 routine (1st 1/2, 2nd 1/2). It is OK if parts are spotted. Please be ready to AT LEAST show me combinations. We have a lot of ground to cover.
For example: The following are IN ROUTINE not individual skills.
Level 8/9 show an upgraded dismount. Can be spotted or into pit.
Level 9 show an upgraded release move. Can (should) be spotted. For example- 1st 1/2 routine with shoot over or Pak (spotted ). 2nd 1/2 with upgraded dismount (spotted or pit)
Level 10 same as level 9
Example Routine: these are JUST examples.
Example: Level 8.
- Kip cast 1/2 pirouette.
- Clear hip handstand.
- Kip cast toe circle around bar. Jump down.
Go over pit
- Kip Cast Hand
- Giant, Giant
- Double tuck. (upgraded dismount)
Example: Level 9
From outside bar-
- Jump to high bar
- Kip Cast handstand
- Clear hip Handstand
- Pak (spotted)
- Kip cast Handstand.
Middle section
- Kip Cast handstand (from inside bar)
- Toe handstand 1/2 pirouette
- Toe shoot to high bar.
Go over pit
- Kip cast Hand
- Giant 1/2
- Front giant 1/2
- Open double tuck. Etc.
What has made me successful at the National and International level is having a plan. Both LONG and SHORT term planning as well as designing a practice schedule to be efficient and have the gymnasts prepared for competition.
LONG TERM PLAN, 4+ years. What skills will a gymnast need to be able to compete at the next Olympic Games.
SHORT TERM PLAN, What skills will a gymnast need to be able to compete this season.
PRACTICE PLAN, This is more specific to your gym as well as individual gymnasts. How many hours do you have to train a day? A week? How much or a work load can your gymnast handle physically? Mentally and emotionally?
Tony’s 10 commandments for Bars.
- NEVER be out of Routine shape.
- Have your dismount FIRST. Maybe a year before the routine.
- Master the Basics then hit them every day.
- Strap Bar is an event.
- Pick the right skill for the right kid. (a gymnast who has fear of back tumbling on floor is probably NOT going to be a Tkatchev kid)
- HANDSTANDS- everywhere, every day.
- Don’t paint yourself in to a corner. (ie. you do not teach a back flyaway, you teach a front and double front- if the double front gets devalued or a gymnast has a growth spurt and now has trouble with the front swing- what do you do?)
- Introduce them to every skill they may need by 13 years old.
- Have a plan and a back up plan
- Let them play.
Every skill of value starts with a great basic circling element. In a race to put together a routine we have a tendency to chase the skill before we have established a truly great base element.
- Clear hip.
- Toe handstand. (front and back)
- Stalder. (Legs together and straddle) (front and back)
- Giants Back and Front.
What ever the base skill is for your goal element you MUST be able to do 4-5 in a row consistently. Do it first on STRAP BAR
I will continue to add to this until the day of the clinic so you may want to check back for additional resources.
Some thoughts from my plane ride in. Updated November 6. 2024
My plan for uneven bars is that the gymnast needs to be 1+ season ahead for their dismount. Because it comes at the end of their routine there is a certain amount of endurance they need. They will already be fatigued from their routine, they should just be able to let muscle memory takeover.
You must have a truly great base if you are going to build on it. All circles start on strap bar. Progress to 3-5 in a row.
Then they must be able to do 3-5 in a row on the bar before you add to it (adding a pirouette or a release).
While they are perfecting circles we are doing tramp/ TT drills for releases and pirouettes.
Things to remember-
Teach them to throw and catch.
Teach the body shape early. Continue to reinforce them. Teach them how to use them.
1. Hect action skills
- Tkatchev (giant)
- Ray (toe hand)
- Hindorf (clear hip)
- Ricna (stalder)
Shaposhnikova
Maloney
2. Jaeger
3. Gienger
I tend to teach 1 and 2 at the same time because they share some actions. #1 has so many uses and can be done either way. The Jaeger is great because it covers the requirement for undergrip skill and can be taught in either under or “L” grip.
Prerequisite will always be a GREAT base skill. 3-5 x in a row.
OPEN skills teach from a swing. It forces the correct tap and then when you want to use it in combination it is already there.
Group 1 (Hect)
Stage 1
- Back extension roll hop.
- TT Bar Hop
- Straddle roll grab
Stage 2
- Back Extension Roll off mat kick back (almost a bridge)
- Back drop to stomach drop (straight)
Stage 3
- Base skill to hop
- TT bar flight to back
- Back drop to stomach drop (Straight) catch noodle
- Jump Back off bar catch
Stage 4
- With flight over bar no catch
Group 2 (Jaeger)
Stage 1
- Forward roll to handstand undergrip
- Stomach drop with TT bar
- Pike or straddle roll grab
Stage 2
- Forward roll to HS in undergrip Hop change
- Sushinova off beam or mat to floor
- Front layout sit up on bounce handstand
- Stomach drop on TT bar hop off.
Stage 3
- Gainer front off TT into pit
- Front kaboom on tramp (3/4 layout. Sit up)
- Back drop front pike tramp
- Jump Back off bar catch
Stage 4
- Spotted Front giant with release to straight. Eyes on bar
- Front Kaboom sit up and catch noodle
- Front layout sit up catch noodle on Bounce HS
- Front 1.25 on tramp
Stage 5
- Spotted jaeger from swing. (Grip doesn’t matter)
Group 3
Stage 1
- Layout flyaway from swing
- Leaf drop
Stage 2
- Layout flyaway to back from swing
- Leaf drop 1/4
- Layout on tramp jump 1/4
- Cruise on Tramp
Stage 3
- Continue with layout flyaway from swing
- Leaf drop 1/4 catch noodle
- Gainer off tramp or TT
- Cruise on tramp catch noodle
- Back kaboom
Stage 4
- If you have a trench bar- Layout flyaway to stand on side of pit
- Gainer w/ 1/4 twist off tramp or TT reach back
- Kaboom layout 1.25 to stomach. Catch noodle.
Thanking Those Who Took The Time To Teach Me.
Education and knowledge are not things to hold on to. They are meant to be shared like a good book. I have never kept any secrets about technique or drills. I am confident enough to believe that coaching gymnastics is like cooking. Everyone starts with certain ingredients (the gymnasts). Everyone has the same basic appliances (the equipment and mats). Everyone has access to technique. It all comes down to your spices (communication skills) and dedication.
When I first got serious about coaching I am sure I was a pain in the ass to so many people. asking countless questions, asking to watch their training sessions. This was back before the age of YouTube and Instagram or e-mail. You had to actually CALL people on the phone. You had to physically go to their gym. The benefit of going to their gym was you got to see ALL their gymnasts. You got to see them in action. Not just a 30 second drill with their talented athlete. (BEWARE THE YOUTUBE COACH). When I received my membership to the US Elite Coaches Association I went through each article, each drill, each hand drawn technique.
There are many famous (and some infamous) people who I learned from. This is THE OTHER list. The people I learned from along the way who deserve recognition.
Charolette Snyder. My 8th grade math teacher. She believed in me, pushed me, and encouraged me. This is what every teacher should do. After all, aren’t we just teachers?
Manny Acosta. He taught me how to spot. The basics of spotting. What to look for and what to “see” with your hands to give a correction.
Jose Molina. He taught me to be passionate.
Don Tonry. He taught me the science behind the art of gymnastics.
Ray Johnson. He taught me how to talk to a gymnast at their level. To believe in a progression.
Stephanie William (now Retrosi). She taught me balance. I could be enthusiastic and calm.
My first group of gymnasts I bought up to level 10 and Elite. Beth, Molly, Shannon, Kelly, Lexa. You made me push myself. To stay one day ahead of you.
Frank DeFrancesco. You were always available to me and never made me feel bad when I had painted myself into a corner.
Cori Cunningham. I learned patience from you. I cannot want it more than the gymnast does.
Rich Lines. Coaching with you, Everyday was a lesson in Physics and Mechanics.
Denise Edmonds- Thanks for the first job and teaching me to work hard.
and lately Ryan Doherty. I learned that gymnastics can still be fun.
Mobilità dell’anca, della schiena, della spalla
Although the video titles and some of the speaking is in Italian- the video is self explanatory on some exercises and stretches for Hips, Back and Shoulder mobility.