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Practice kicking up against the wall is great once the arm strength is there which it sounds like she has. Also using a wedge mat against the wall and kicking up (fat end on the floor). This way they can kick freely and hard enough to make it past vertical but keeping their body straight, and...

I like a lot of the ideas mentioned above. I did coach boys rec for one year and I will admit, a lot of times they were just more interested in doing "cowabunga" jumps off the tumbltrak than ever really learning the skills to make a proper front handspring, etc. so I completely understand...

I like this idea - HS snapdown into the BHS, that way it is just the end of the RO. Once she gets that she should be able to connect more easily. Since you know she can do it and it is just the mental I think this will help her get used to the motion.

Here is one BHS drill I love and builds on the above ideas -- Handstand near a wall with just their toes on the wall. Instead of being right next to the wall in a vertical HS have them keep their hands a foot away from the wall (more or less depending on their size to start) so they are in an...

Good advice above, I definitely notice I am stronger spotting on one side. Although sometimes with little ones I try to spot on my weak side, I know with bigger kids you don't want to because you want to support them from falling. I have had the same issue with having kids that are nearly the...

Hi! I would love to know the solution for this myself as I coach rec classes with this age range as well, and something I've noticed as a struggle too. From your description of your situation it seems they have fallen "content", going through the motions, or with their team they have been with...

To strengthen your ankle and prevent injuries for warm-ups I would recommend walking on the outside of feet, then on the inside of your feet. On your toes and on your heels. Just a slow walk/stretch and this helps to strengthen the muscles around your ankle so if you do happen to roll it in...

We always stretch the front and back legs separately first before the full split. First kneel on back knee with the other leg out straight in front of you - straight knee and toe pointed toward the ceiling (not touching the floor) this helps keep their leg straight (fold to knee to stretch)...

Run backwards! Shin splints occur specifically when there is an imbalance in the muscles in the front of the leg as compared to the back (calf/shin). Running backwards (even for a hundred yards or a few short distances/minutes at a time) helps to strengthen the shin and the muscles to build...

Do you ever practice round-offs with jumps after or rebounding? This basically gives you the feeling of springing straight up after the round-off and may help with getting used to the quickness you need and used to not stopping. Also, my biggest advice would be to TRUST yourself! If you can do...

I coach rec classes mostly beginners ages 5 - 12. One student in particular, although i have a few other cases, is having trouble with her cartwheels. Instead of facing toward the way she came at the landing she is twisting her hips out and landing in a squat facing forward. I see the issue...

That is right!. . .I always remind the kids I coach, especially with a skill like a BHS, that it is really tough. Some will get it right away, but sometimes it may take years and that is OK. That is what gymnastics is like. . . and hopefully as she gets older, this will be what she takes away...