	AllExperts > Gymnastics
	Search

About Rik 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.

You are here: Experts > Recreation/Outdoors > Gymnastics > Gymnastics > motivation

Gymnastics - motivation

Expert: Rik Feeney - 11/2/2009

Question
You so kindly answered a question about switching gyms some time again, and I again thank you for that.

My soon to be 10 yr old (M) is repeating Level 5 and my 6 yr old is just starting her Level 4 season. We DID end up switching gyms as a combination of the method of coaching and respect that was lacking at the old gym, mediocre scores all around for most levels, distance and time commitment in relationship to the effort that the 10 yr old was willing to put out and the ability to have both girls together.

Last season M. struggled with bars and vault (not into improving her upper body strength) but has phenomenal grace and was beam champion at Y Nationals last year and received a 9.5 on floor at first meet this season (USAG). My question is can you offer any suggestions to get her to be more motivated to improve her skills/scores in all areas? She's very content to just "play it by ear". Her current gym is new (Level 5 is their highest level right now or she would have progressed to 6) but the coaches are wonderful and have immense experience (56 yrs between the 2 of them with one coaching international teams) having fixed a number of form errors already. The one drawback I see is that she has no upper levels to look up to or be encouraged by. No one seems to have the words to "wake her up" despite all efforts.

I appreciate any advice, books, mental programs, etc that you might suggest that would light a fire in her. She LOVES doing it, just on her terms.

Answer
Hi Jeannie,

I understand your concern, but I also know that you cannot make ("motivate") someone to do what YOU want them to do.

Your statement, "She LOVES doing it, just on her terms." says it all and I applaud her ability to decide her level of participation.

If it becomes a safety or technique issue that is a whole different story. Her personal goals and desires may need to be modified if she wants to work higher level skills but it still comes back to that old saying, "A person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still."

It will be your coaches job to outline what strength and conditioning skills are necessary for advancement, and if she is not willing to put in the effort necessary, she should not be moved to the next higher level.

Sometimes watching videos or DVD's of the Olympics help to stimulate desire. Notice I say desire, because motivation is an internal decision, not something that can be pumped in from the outside.

For more specific information you might want to contact a sports psychologist. I recommend Dr. Kimberly Lannon who was once a high level gymnast herself. You can contact her at:

Dr. Kimberly Lannon
GAMEFACE Consulting Services
klannon@gamefaceconsulting.com
www.gamefaceconsulting.com

Regards,

Coach Rik
www.GymnasticsTrainingTips.com

Add to this Answer Ask a Question