Tips on Being a Great Gymnastics Coach

Coaching children of different age ranges, development levels and skills requires someone who is talented enough to deal with various types of personalities that accompany these emerging stars. Competitive gymnastics presents challenging coaching opportunities at multiple physical and psychological levels. The coach must take into consideration various factors regarding an individual's potential and how that contributes to the team dynamic. Some coaches do the job and it's second nature; others struggle with certain aspects of the job. With time, coaches become aware of the key factors distinguishing a mediocre coach from a great one: organization and passion.

  1. Physical Components

    • Successful coaches establish a structured plan that develops and hones the skills of their beginners as well as their more experienced gymnasts. Constantly assess your team by conducting a few drills, such as tumbling, balance and strength exercises. Coaches should evaluate the talents that each athlete possesses and compose a lineup that produces optimal performances for the team. A gymnast who has excelled on the vault and balance beam might not have the same success on the parallel bars. Learn to evaluate emerging talent in those whose progression takes longer.

      A coach's job is to continually provide growing and learning opportunities so that athletes reach their potential. Proactively searching for ways to improve your team's performance keeps you passionate about your team's objective and the sport. You are not necessarily searching for perfection but for optimal performance that meets the expectations of everyone, including you.

      Enhance and develop your conditioning program so that it helps strengthen the muscles and targets certain areas of the body that require endurance for the multiple apparatuses used in gymnastics. Most gymnast movements require multijoint, multiplanar and multilateral action from the muscles, so try focusing on shoulder flexion and extension, upper-extremity pushing and pulling, torso and hip flexion and extension, and jumping and landing exercises. These conditioning drills target the muscle movement used in various gymnastics performances. Proper conditioning helps minimize injuries later in the season.

      Coordinate your program so that variety becomes one of the cornerstones in conditioning practices. Variation keeps the athletes motivated and decreases the level of boredom.

    Psychological Factors

    • Be aware of the psychological pressures involved in gymnastics, and regularly address athletes' concerns or changes in behavior. The mental aspect of gymnastics affects the physical performance of the athlete. Giving positive feedback is always welcomed by an athlete; however, the situation becomes more delicate when negative feedback is needed. Coaches should be firm in their standards and team objectives but flexible in the methods and ways of achieving these goals.

      If you are not getting the desired results from the athlete's performance, change your approach. Berating an athlete in public so as to humiliate her into performing better is not necessarily the best way of addressing the situation. Give constructive and specific feedback as to hand or foot position, arm or leg extension, release, timing or posture. Concrete feedback helps the athlete pinpoint her error and review it mentally. Always address the performance, not the person.

      If verbal constructive feedback still does not produce desired results, try videotaping your gymnast's routine. Some gymnasts are visual learners and cannot comprehend what the mistake is until they see it. Some athletes learn better by observing performances rather than having things explained to them.

      Keep your gymnasts motivated and passionate. As a coach, you are considered the driving force behind these athletes. If they lack enthusiasm, part of the reason may be your effectiveness as a motivational figure. The inspiration for a great performance from gymnasts can come in a variety of ways, such as an increase in self-worth, awards, accolades or respect from their teammates. But perhaps one of the most important validations needed for a gymnast is the approval and respect of her coach. Knowing that she has achieved a goal that she worked so hard to accomplish and being able to turn to you are indispensable. Acknowledge accomplishments during great performances, and keep your comments constructive during poor routines. Above all, show them that you care. Becoming a great gymnastics coach takes years, and many coaches learn through experience.