Parents Improvement in season

[scb838]

Should a gymnast usually increase scores throughout the season? My daughter is in her first competitive season and her scores improved a lot from the first meet to the second, but hacen't changed much since. They have had 4 meets so far. Just curious if that is normal. She is happy with her scores usually in the mid 9s and places well. Her AA is usually around 37.5 for the last 3 meets.

 

[Coach Kate]

In general, sure, you do often see improvement as the season progresses.

However, with her already scoring in the mid 9s, as a coach, getting to 9.8s isn't really going to be my priority unless she's about to be a recruitable level 10 and is trying to qualify to and place at nationals. If she's in compulsories, Xcel, or a low level optional, I'm going to focus more on upgrades and being prepared for the next level. Yes, I'll continue to give the corrections and feedback on the current routines but especially depending on the level, I'm ready to build some new skills.

 

[GymnastMomX2]

Yes, but not if she’s already in the 37s

 

[scb838]

That's something I didn't think about. She's in xcel bronze and they have started working some on upgrades in the last couple weeks, so what you are saying makes sense.

 

[scb838]

Yes, but not if she’s already in the 37s

There are a couple of girls on the team with 38 AA so I wasn't sure if that is usually a goal. I am new to this!

 

[Coach Kate]

That's something I didn't think about. She's in xcel bronze and they have started working some on upgrades in the last couple weeks, so what you are saying makes sense.

Oh yes, for bronze I'm definitely just continuing to do those basics at practice, build strength, and then work skill progressions. The requirements for bronze are really quite simple - bronze, silver and gold are all actually considered entry level, meaning that you could start with gold and never even do bronze or silver. So in my opinion, with athletes who are doing well and will progress through the levels, (we've had kids join silver at 14 and never make it out) the goal should really be to work on progressive skills - let's work those round off backhandsprings, front handsprings, kips, squat ons, handstand/cartwheel/walkovers on beam.

It sounds like she's having a great year!