beamer
Proud Parent
While we are on the subjects of "form" and the "right rate of progression between levels", I thought I would pose my perennial question for both coaches and other parents who understand and are committed to the JO gymnastics world.
Specifically: how to balance the gymnast's need for progression and movement with the gym's need for skills perfection.
A little background: DD (10-year-old L5) moved from a more recreational-type program in our state to a highly competitive gym. We did this not so she could end up on the podium with a consistently winning team, but because a coach at her old gym was heaping regular verbal abuse upon our gymnastics-loving kid; we wanted that to stop and she didn't want to quit. So we chose the nearest program and couldn't be more satisfied.
The coaches are incredibly talented and supportive, while at the same time making their expectations understood in a firm, fair way. No yelling, no berating, no demeaning criticism.
Here's the problem. DD is form-challenged, not highly flexible (for a gymnast) and is generally a work-a-day sort of gymnast. At the old gym, she was middle of the pack. Here, she is bottom. She just completed a second year of L5 with most meet scores in the mid 33s. All the skills are there, they are just performed with bent knees, flexed toes, etc. It's death by a thousand knives. I think her coaches are considering keeping her at 5 next year (unclear as to whether this would be half year or full year).
She has all of her L6 skills except the flyaway, consistently performed well (that is to say high 8s, no 9s) on beam and bars. She is a hard worker and dedicated gymnast, a supportive teammate with a good attitude. The form is gradually -- in tiny increments -- getting better.
On the other hand, she does not seem to be able to incorporate "form" coaching suggestions into her floor routines and struggles consistently with the handspring vault (some might even say she sometimes looks like a drunken, club-footed orang when she performs it). Highest score on vault in two seasons: 8.2.
DD wants to go to L6 but says she will do another year at 5 if necessary. She loves her gym, coaches and teammates. When we bring up Prep Opt, she cries. She wants to continue in the JO stream and is enthusiastic about putting in the 12 to 15 hours per week to stay there. We all would rather that she move to L6, especially since she will probably spend two years there as well. Why spend another year at L5 for a point or two in all-around scores? Beyond that, she will be a veritable granny by the time she reaches optionals (her stated goal) if we spend another year at 5!
So how (if at all?) do we approach the gym with a solution that addresses the drunken, club-footed orang in the room to everyone's mutual satisfaction?? Any suggestions from you wise, experienced Chalk Bucket heads would be much appreciated!
Specifically: how to balance the gymnast's need for progression and movement with the gym's need for skills perfection.
A little background: DD (10-year-old L5) moved from a more recreational-type program in our state to a highly competitive gym. We did this not so she could end up on the podium with a consistently winning team, but because a coach at her old gym was heaping regular verbal abuse upon our gymnastics-loving kid; we wanted that to stop and she didn't want to quit. So we chose the nearest program and couldn't be more satisfied.
The coaches are incredibly talented and supportive, while at the same time making their expectations understood in a firm, fair way. No yelling, no berating, no demeaning criticism.
Here's the problem. DD is form-challenged, not highly flexible (for a gymnast) and is generally a work-a-day sort of gymnast. At the old gym, she was middle of the pack. Here, she is bottom. She just completed a second year of L5 with most meet scores in the mid 33s. All the skills are there, they are just performed with bent knees, flexed toes, etc. It's death by a thousand knives. I think her coaches are considering keeping her at 5 next year (unclear as to whether this would be half year or full year).
She has all of her L6 skills except the flyaway, consistently performed well (that is to say high 8s, no 9s) on beam and bars. She is a hard worker and dedicated gymnast, a supportive teammate with a good attitude. The form is gradually -- in tiny increments -- getting better.
On the other hand, she does not seem to be able to incorporate "form" coaching suggestions into her floor routines and struggles consistently with the handspring vault (some might even say she sometimes looks like a drunken, club-footed orang when she performs it). Highest score on vault in two seasons: 8.2.
DD wants to go to L6 but says she will do another year at 5 if necessary. She loves her gym, coaches and teammates. When we bring up Prep Opt, she cries. She wants to continue in the JO stream and is enthusiastic about putting in the 12 to 15 hours per week to stay there. We all would rather that she move to L6, especially since she will probably spend two years there as well. Why spend another year at L5 for a point or two in all-around scores? Beyond that, she will be a veritable granny by the time she reaches optionals (her stated goal) if we spend another year at 5!
So how (if at all?) do we approach the gym with a solution that addresses the drunken, club-footed orang in the room to everyone's mutual satisfaction?? Any suggestions from you wise, experienced Chalk Bucket heads would be much appreciated!