Parents Gateway skills for DP Compulsory Levels?

[InMyGymMomEra]

My gymmie is 6yo and SO excited to be joining the DP team this year! The coach had her try out for L2, but ultimately placed her in L1 so she can work on her form and shapes. That’s totally fine with us — she is just over the moon to have graduated from rec.

Since L1-3 are not required levels, the coach said that depending on her progress, she could move up to either L2 or L3 next year. I’ll be happy with wherever they place her, and trust the coach’s judgement, but of course having heard this my very driven daughter has set the goal of L3.

From reading the requirements & watching the compulsory routines on YouTube she and I have a general sense of the skills competed at each compulsory level. However, I’m wondering whether there are a couple of gateway skills that sort of “unlock” each level from
L1-5? For example she needed a pullover for L1, and I’ve heard folks on CB talk about kips for L4.

Are there any skills like that (on any of the 4 events) she could set as a goal to “unlock” L3 for next year?

Thank you!!

 

[AlexandraU16]

Level 3 the big step up is a round off back handspring. It is also the first time they compete a front handspring vault (although over a mat stack not the table) but I feel like for most level 2s the big focus is that round off back handspring. A front hip circle on bars is also required as well as a squat on. Front hip circles take some kids a while to master. Handstands on beam are a good thing to be working on too.
Hope this helps!

 

[Dahlialover]

Different kids have different skills that are barriers. I was all prepared for my son to struggle to get his kip and he had it in a week! You just don’t know until you are there.

I’ve asked this very question myself and I want to warn you that there are benefits to being blissfully ignorant. Gymnastics is mostly a mental game and, as parents, we have a lot of influence on how that develops. You can undermine a child’s gymnastics progress and enjoyment by being too invested in their progress towards certain skills or benchmarks. Just asking a kid how they did today on a challenging skill can feel like pressure to the kids and that pressure can lead to struggles with confidence and motivation.

It’s better to ask things like: “Did you have fun with your friends today?”, “What was your favorite event today?”, and then move along to other topics. Less is more.
Good Luck!

 

[TumbleTwist]

Different kids have different skills that are barriers. I was all prepared for my son to struggle to get his kip and he had it in a week! You just don’t know until you are there.

I’ve asked this very question myself and I want to warn you that there are benefits to being blissfully ignorant. Gymnastics is mostly a mental game and, as parents, we have a lot of influence on how that develops. You can undermine a child’s gymnastics progress and enjoyment by being too invested in their progress towards certain skills or benchmarks. Just asking a kid how they did today on a challenging skill can feel like pressure to the kids and that pressure can lead to struggles with confidence and motivation.

It’s better to ask things like: “Did you have fun with your friends today?”, “What was your favorite event today?”, and then move along to other topics. Less is more.
Good Luck!

I agree with this. Plus, there is so much more to moving up levels than "unlocking" certain skills. I find that an odd term to use to begin with. It's not just about doing certain skills. It's about their form when they do them, form and shaping on basics, attitude, work ethic, etc. I wouldn't want you to put it in your daughter's head that if she gets a certain skill, that means she will move up.

 

[InMyGymMomEra]

Thank you so much for all of your responses! It's really helpful to hear everyone's perspective and that the ROBH, front hip circle, front handspring vault are important differentiators for L3. Her gym actually just announced a monthly BH clinic that I can ask her if she wants to try. And definitely I will try to keep it really easy and chill in the car with her asking about fun, friends, etc. I will also be mindful of any signs of her feeling pressured now that she's moved from rec to DP b/c I can see how it could be a slippery slope. Great reminder!

 

[GymDadWA]

I would caution against talking about skills too much with your DD and/or teaching them at home. Saying things like "you almost did a bhs today!" actually starts to create pressure that they need to get skills and that struggling with a skill makes them feel like they are doing something wrong. Of course you mean well and are trying to encourage them, but referencing skills can create a sense of dread for post practice pick up.

Additionally home taught skills are often done wrong and ingrains incorrect form that has to be untaught before they can do it correctly.

Many parents (including me) are guilty of this, just warning you at the start of the journey. Welcome to gymnastics, it's a long but fun ride.

 

[InMyGymMomEra]

LOL not to worry about me attempting to teach her any skills at home. I have never done gymnastics myself and wouldn't know the first thing about how to do any of these skills! But yes it's a great point to avoid any kind of pressure in my attempt to support her and I will absolutely follow this great advice!