AboutRik Feeney Expertise I can answer questions regarding all levels of the sport of women's gymnastics, the business of gymnastics, and the marketing of gymnastics programs.
Experience I am the author of "Gymnastics: A Guide for Parents and Athletes" currently being published by McGraw-Hill. I am also a ghostwriter and co-author of the Gymcert series of books "Levels 1-3 Gymnastics Coaches Certifications Manuals" for recreational gymnasts, and the "Levels 4 - 6 Skills and Drills" books as well as Safety Basics for Gymnastics Instructors. I have written several other books on the sport of gymnastics for Richardson Publishing, the latest of which is titled, "Back Handsprings: The Secret Techniques." Oh, and by the way, I was a competitive gymnast through high school and college (Temple University), gymnastics club owner for 10 years, and women's gymnastics coach for 30 years working with gymnasts at all competitive levels
Organizations USA Gymnastics
National Writer's union
Florida Writer's Association
Publications USA Gymnastics magazine
Technique magazine
International Gymnast magazine
several newspaper articles
Education/Credentials Temple University - Health Physical Education, Recreation & Dance
Norwich University - Bachelors of Arts in Writing & Literature
Awards and Honors Several state and national level gymnastics champions in different systems of competition.
Past/Present clients Gymnasts, coaches, and club owners nation-wide.
A quick background first: My daughter just quit (10/1) her USAG Level 7 team. She began having fears about her back tumbling after falling on the back of her neck this past summer doing her RO BHS BT tumbling pass. Then her first year of high school started and the pressure to get those L7 skills ramped up, as well as the demands of high school. She has now joined another gym's Prep Op program and is happier than I've seen her in a while. She can use her Level 7 beam routine, her L7 floor routine with some tumbling modifications (they're hoping to get her confidence back up this year so she can do the full tumbling passes again). She will also be doing the L7 front handspring vault and her bar routine will include 2 clear hip circles instead of a giant. She is also going to try out for her high school gymnastics team this year. I've searched all over the place for the requirements for high school level skills... I see mentions of High difficulty, superior difficulty, etc. Can you tell me WHAT those are? I'm hoping that she won't have to modify her L7 routines too much for high school. Thanks so much (sorry for the rambling!)
-Lynn
Answer Hi Lynn,
Like falling off a horse, getting back in the saddle again as quickly as possible (safely) may be the best course. The accident, I assume, is not a regular event so it is best not to let her blow it out of proportion.
You may want to check with a sports psychologist for a professional opinion and who is also someone who can best help her deal with any residual fear that may affect performance.
