AboutRobert Davis Expertise I can answer questions about technique, strength and endurance training, healing from injuries, and competitions. I can also answer questions from parents of gymnasts, as I have five children of my own now.
Experience I competed in gymnastics for 16 years, from age 8 to 24, the last six of those years on the Arizona State Men's Gymnastics Team (www.sundevilgymnastics.com).
Question My daughter is training level 5. She has achieved almost all her necessary skills to become a level 5 but the handspring on vault. Here is the situation:
My daughter started on a competitive team about 4 months ago, (she used to do exhibition). Since starting on the team she has amazed everyone on her abilities. She has gotten her glide kip, front hip circle, squat on to high bar, floor skills. The problem is she is scared of vault. She has one coach in particular that is does not feel "safe" with. She has explained to me that several of the girls get hurt on vault when "this" coach is teaching and it scares her. This same coach gets mad when she wont follow through on vault. This I do understand, However this same coach told her she could not move to level 5 without it. I am at a crossroads with this situation. Should I push her to do it or let her stay at level 4.
I should also mention that "this" coach is new to the gym and the team. Several of the parents have been dissatisfied with her teaching abilities and think she is too harsh and physical with the kids. Should something be said or is this a normal way to coach??? All our girls have been doing gymnastics for years and have never encountered a coach with this method of teaching.
Answer Hi Erin,
There are as many different styles of coaching as there are coaches. But the most effective coaches have good relationships with their gymnasts. If this is not the only coach available then I would suggest talking with the gym owner(s) about having your daughter work with other coaches instead.
Every gym is a business and the gymnasts and their parents are customers. The coaches provide the "customer service", and it makes sense for the gym owners to want happy customers. Although it may be an extreme measure, you as a customer have the ability to take your business elsewhere if you want.
Regards,
Robert
