Typically your level 4 team is your youngest competitive group in the gym. Over the course of the year, this group will spend about 400 hours in the gym on their gymnastics education. Your Level 10s may spend about 1300 hours in the gym on their gymnastics education.
How much time are you spending on YOUR gymnastics education? [Read more…]
In order to come up with a PLAN for your workouts and practices, each gymnasts should really take the time to answer these questions. [Read more…]
The other day I was able to step out of the gym and take a look as the Level 9s and 10s trained. It reminded of how important it is to learn how to train. It also reminded what a big step this is in the development of the athlete. The group ranged from first year Level 9s to some 10s who have competed at Nationals a number of times. The contrast in the workout was amazing to watch. Everyone did the workout. [Read more…]
I know I am a little late for Valentines day but who really needs a reason or a special holiday for chocolate.
Healthified Freezy Chocolate-Banana Shake
Directions
Step1 In a blender, combine milk, yogurt, frozen banana, cocoa powder, honey, and vanilla. Cover and blend until smooth and frothy.
*Note: To freeze banana,
peel and slice banana. Place banana slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with plastic wrap. Freeze about 1 hour or until firm.
80% less sat fat • 100% more fiber than the original recipe. Tastes like a chocolate-dipped banana—plus it’s an excellent source of calcium. Now that’s healthified heaven!
Healthified Decadent Hot Chocolate
Directions
Step1 In 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar and cocoa. Stir in milk and half-and-half until blended. Cook and stir over medium heat until thoroughly heated (do not boil). Remove from heat.
Step2 Add chocolate chips; stir constantly with wire whisk until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in vanilla. To serve, pour hot chocolate into 4 cups.
50% fewer calories • 77% less fat • 20% more calcium than the original recipe. When it’s cool out, warm up with a cup of hot chocolaty goodness. You won’t believe it’s better for you!
Recently, I attended a rock concert by The Who. In the middle of one of their classic songs, “Teenage Wasteland,” (Baba O’Riely) lead singer Roger Daltry, stopped singing, stepped back from the front of the stage and looked around the arena in amazement. Everyone in the standing-room-only audience of was singing, standing, swaying, and singing the song together. All were lost in the moment, thinking of nothing but the present . . . [Read more…]
* When I first posted this- the last line was inadvertently left out after the photo. This was pointed out by a reader. SINCERE Thanks.
The last line SHOULD HAVE read- THIS WAS A REPOST from Tom Burdorf’s great blog. If you do not follow his blog- you should. He has a lot of great things to say.
When I was in High School (a fairly long time ago) I was often frustrated by the learning process. Each teacher viewed their class as THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. They did not work together. I had a 10 page term paper due in History and a 10 page term paper due in English. Could I use the same paper in both? NOPE.
I never understood the reasoning behind this. Why not have one, 15 page paper due. With the History teacher working in conjunction with the English teacher.
I see many gyms that work like that. The Vault Coach has a certain set of drills and conditioning that they insist MUST be done. The Floor coach has a certain set they feel, of course, must be done. The same is true for every event.
The beauty of gymnastics is that certain movements are shared at each event. As coaches we need to consciously make connections to make training more effective and efficient. We need to understand that that although we may target a particular event or muscle group they are all affected regardless of the emphasis. Ultimately the most important connection we must make is to connect the training to the competition. Never lose sight of the fact that the goal of training is to prepare the athlete for competition, therefore all training must connect to competition by thoroughly preparing the athlete for the demands of the competition.
Now although I am a HUGE advocate of working together. I also believe that there can only be one leader. Pick your cliche’
Work as a TEAM to come up with THE PLAN. F
ollow through by Implementing the PLAN. There will be a time when you will be the leader. There will be a time for you follow. When you lead- lead by example. When you follow, follow with gusto. I have seen too many gyms brought down by dissension. Work Together towards that common goal of gymnastics greatness.
THIS WAS A REPOST from Tom Burdorf’s blog (on Facebook) . If you do not follow his blog- you should. He has a lot of great things to say.
HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE? Keep the momentum going!
From my Friend Jourdan Marino
Hey Everyone,
Many already know, and many may not, but the MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) has decided to drop Men’s Gymnastics as a Varsity sport in Massachusetts despite the support of town administrators. Many have benefited either directly or indirectly from Gymnastics being at the high school level and it’s in jeopardy of being gone. The ramifications will also be felt at the Women’s high school level if this does not change. Although we have the support of town administrators which is great, I urge anyone that cares about this sport being available at all levels to write to the MIAA and politely ask them to reconsider this drastic decision. If you have a personal story, that is even better. Their information is below. If you have any questions or need any more information please contact me, Sean Monaco, or any other MA High School coach anytime. Also PLEASE pass this message along to anyone else that may not already know of this issue. The more letters the better!M.I.A.A.33 Forge ParkwayFranklin, MA 02038email: miaa@miaa.net
Tumbl Trak
Take a Break from the Routine
Doug Davis
This is the meet season—uncounted numbers of compulsory routines, day after day, in gym practice. Those compulsory skills can get awfully old, for gymnasts and coaches alike. Just for a break in that routine (!) think about allowing a certain amount of time each week or so, for playing with some fun skill parts that will be used later in optional routines, or for higher level compulsories. [Read more…]
Was looking at Vern Gambetta’s Bog, FUNCTIONAL PATH TRAINING and it stirred a few thoughts.
TODAYS WORKOUT
How many of you walk into the gym with today’s workout as an end unto itself, looking for that one great workout that will make a difference? If you do then think again, today’s workout must fit in the context of the whole training plan. Think of it as one pixel in a mega pixel picture. For the picture to be clear, in focus and complete it will take all pixels fitting together to create a unified whole. Great performance in competition is set up by consist work in training, not one special workout. Today’s workout is important but remember it is one of many in pursuit of a goal. And like a 56 inch TV, to really get a look at the picture, you need to step back.
COMPLEXIFICATION
Not sure if complexification is a word in the English language but I see it more and more in training especially with young coaches impressed with their own knowledge. It is easy to make things complicated and complex. It takes wisdom and understanding to make things simple and clear. Training to improve performance is a relatively straightforward process. The emphasis here is on process. It takes time for the various training stimuli to adapt to the stress imposed. Simple is not easy, it demands a deep understanding of the demands of the sport and the needs of the athlete. Simplicity yields complexity, not to make it more complex than it already is. Focus on the need to do activities and reap the rewards in competition. Use the KISS method. Keep It Simple, Stupid.
Mary Lee shares a great drill for Releve training using a small medicine ball.
[Read more…]
