AboutJack Leonard Expertise Former 5 time Natl. Tumbling Champ, 3 time Natl. Vaulting Champ, Natl. Floor
Exercise Champ; Ass`t coach of Dominique Dawes for 6 years; Owner/Director/Head coach of Kauai Gymnastics Academy on the island of Kauai in Hawaii; Retired Physical Ed teacher; Childrens Fitness Expert; Expert Consultant for gymnastics litigation; Retired Mens & Womens HS Gymnastics coach for 32 years. National coaching honors for Men in 1981 & Women in 2001.
Experience I value the following awards because they were given by acknowlegement through my peers: The Nissen/Grissold Award given to the outstanding Tumbling and Tramp Athlete(1972), National High School coach of the year in 1981 for men and 2001 for women, 10 time County Coach of the Year. Medal Award given at the first World Tumbling Championships in London, England for dedication to the sport. Lastly, having the opportunity to coach Wes Suter(1988 Olympian)in his intermediate years and Dominique Dawes(1992 & 1996)
Question My daughter is a level 5 gymnast. She is currently using ten-o grips for the uneven bar. She recently has begun complaining about her grips shifting to the side, coming undone and "bunching" up during tricks. Her hand measures just under 6" so I purchased her size 1 grips. Should we try size 0? Also would buckle grips help with the shifting and loosening? Thank you
Answer Hello Erin,
I am glad to help you. It is hard to help you without seeing the problem. I would suggest wide thick cotton wrist bands under the grips. Usually gymnasts have trouble behind the thumb on the wrist from the pulling. The wrist bands help. Also, she may just need to make adjustments between turns…..which most gymnasts do. The wrist bands help with keeping the grips tighter and more comfortable too. Try what I said for a better fit. Regarding the buckle grips, that is your preference. Some gymnasts do not like those because it is harder to loosen during a bar workout. I wish your daughter the best and good luck. Jack Leonard
