Parents New and looking for advice

[smercaldo]

My 11 year old started gymnastics last August. Our family has been trying to get him to try gymnastics for a couple of years (he's short, muscular and has been jumping and flipping around our house since he could walk) He finally agreed to try it after watching the Summer Olympics and absolutely loves it! He came home after his first class and said "Mom, I finally found something I'm really good at" He does seem to have some natural ability, his coach seemed super impressed after his first lesson and has continually shown an interest in him. He was asked to join an advanced class within a few months and now has been invited to join the level 5 team.

My question is this: is this normal? Is he progressing at as quick a pace as his coach keeps saying? Since we have no experience with this sport I have nothing to compare it to. How do we know if we are at a "good" gym and is that even important? My son LOVES his coach and is very very happy so I guess it doesn't matter if we are at a "good" gym at this point since I wouldn't move anyway since my son is soooo happy where he is. (ok, I'm rambling now)

Anyway, What's a normal progression? Is getting to level 5 within 9 months of starting the sport normal? What's to be expected from a level 5 boy? Is 11 too old?

Any and all advice is appreciated!!!

 

[GymBeeMom]

The level 4 skills are quite basic and, though it takes younger boys a bit longer to get them, many of our beginning older boys pick them up quickly. Luckily, so did your son. MOst of our boys that come in older are pushed to get to level 5 as soon as possible so they have the best chance of being in the average age group for their levels down the road. At 11 it is good that he is ready to start level 5. He is certainly not too old, but he is on the older side to be a level 4 so its great that he is ready for level 5. Gaining the basic skills quickly will give your son the confidence as he enters the harder levels of mens gymnastics. Best of luck to your son, I hope he enjoys the ride!

My 11 year old started gymnastics last August. Our family has been trying to get him to try gymnastics for a couple of years (he's short, muscular and has been jumping and flipping around our house since he could walk) He finally agreed to try it after watching the Summer Olympics and absolutely loves it! He came home after his first class and said "Mom, I finally found something I'm really good at" He does seem to have some natural ability, his coach seemed super impressed after his first lesson and has continually shown an interest in him. He was asked to join an advanced class within a few months and now has been invited to join the level 5 team.

My question is this: is this normal? Is he progressing at as quick a pace as his coach keeps saying? Since we have no experience with this sport I have nothing to compare it to. How do we know if we are at a "good" gym and is that even important? My son LOVES his coach and is very very happy so I guess it doesn't matter if we are at a "good" gym at this point since I wouldn't move anyway since my son is soooo happy where he is. (ok, I'm rambling now)

Anyway, What's a normal progression? Is getting to level 5 within 9 months of starting the sport normal? What's to be expected from a level 5 boy? Is 11 too old?

Any and all advice is appreciated!!!

 

[skschlag]

I think that your son is right on track! Being a level 5 at 11 will put him in one of the upper age groups, but will give him a great foundation and lots of great success and experience. One of our best gymnasts started at age 11, and eventually went on to college on a scholarship, so anythign is possible. Especially if a child loves what they are doing.

Welcome to CB!!