Athletes First Gymnastics Consultancy

"Being an optional gymnast isn't about picking and choosing the things you like to do... It's about having as many options as possible. Then you and your coaches pick and choose what you put into your routine."

This is something I find myself saying at every clinic, lecture, presentation, and when talking to athletes and parents.

It's not about avoiding what you're "not good at" or things you struggle with. Just because you're not learning it fast, or you have struggled in the past with something, doesn't mean it can't be a strength in the future. You may not do it as often, and you may never compete it, but you should continue to work through drills and progressions.

Warmp-ups and side stations are a great time and place to work through progressions and drills all throughout the year. Obviously, during competition season, it becomes hard to play with new or other skills, but you should find a day here and there to do so.

The more options we have to work with, the better routines we can create, and truthfully...It keeps EVERYONE interested, motivated, and engaged.

The immense impact a coaches belief can have on those around them is profound.

Every day, I am trying to find a way to unlock someone's full potential. With all of my gymnasts, I believe I know what they are truly capable of. Every day, im on a mission to coach them towards that. If I don't believe in them, then how can I expect them to believe in themselves?
Good day or bad day, I HAVE to believe I can help, that they can improve, change, understand better, find a better way...Otherwise, what's the point?

"Each person holds so much power within themselves that needs to be let out. Sometimes, they just need a little nudge, a little direction, a little support, a little coaching, and the greatest things can happen." -Pete Carroll

Creating Pak Saltos: Part 1 As with every release, getting started early and taking the time to develop proper techniques is essential. Too often, it's assumed that you can create a new release from scratch during the summer training period...good luck... I recommend starting drills and concepts as soon as your gymnasts have consistent giants. This allows you to take your time and create a strong technical foundation and confidence. Video 1: My go-to intro drill, understanding the extension of their swing, the hips rise as the head and arms release together. Video 2: Understanding that it is a push against the bar on the catch, just as if mounting at the beginning of any routine. The remaining videos - You will notice that I will go thru the same process- swing(only spotted)- undershoot- horizontal cast- cast handstand as we progress from going from spotted to going solo. I always teach it to a candle stick hold at the beginning... This has truly helped bridge the gap when gymnasts are still struggling with dismount technique. From their I like to go candle to open handstand... the goal (and now it's a must) is to be on top of the bar. Creating this concept in your gymnasts head also helps in the future if you want to connect directly out of your Pak (video in part 2) Notice throughout the entire process that we are focusing on the BLOCK off the bar to their feet: Why 1. You have control as long as you are pushing against the bar - it can save them if it's too late or high. 2. So often, kids get ahead of themselves and try to catch already gliding...thats where you see the catch and peel...This is why I block to their feet instead of to their back.

When you care more about who they are, and who they can be... Instead of what they can do and how they make you look... You will find success.

It took a year to make it happen, but I finally got back out to St. Louis, MO to reunite with my friends at .gymnastics .gymnastics.
3 amazing days with such a great group of athletes and coaches. Had so much fun with both groups: The level 6-10s in the morning and the XCel Golds and Up in the afternoon. Such a bright future ahead for you all!
It was great to meet Stephanie, Edye, and Kylie.And I loved getting to see Stacey, Liz, and one of my former gymnast Maddie!

See you all again next year!!!

I highly recommend looking at Psych Me Up Consulting, I had the privilege of having Natalie work with my optional gymnasts over a summer, and they truly enjoyed working with her.

Performance | Psych Me Up Consulting Psych Me Up Consulting was created to help improve mental performance, allowing athletes to reach their full potential. As a gymnast, I know first hand the struggles athletes encounter daily, impacting their performance in both training and competition.

More college gymnastics opportunities!!!!!!

Welcome to NCAA Gymnastics, .university!
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An absolute must read for all coaches, parents, and athletes

What is the Technical Ceiling? - Best Darn Gymnastics A typical introductory conversation with parents, gymnasts, and staff often begins with the following quote: “If you don’t have time