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.
What is your opinion of the backhandspring trainer by Core? I have read both pros (helps) and cons *(stay away). Putting aside the cost, is it a good aid?
Thank you! And thank you for the great clinic that you held here in Delaware!
Stick It!
Answer Hi Beth (& Steve),
You wrote, "What is your opinion of the backhandspring trainer by Core? I have read both pros (helps) and cons *(stay away). Putting aside the cost, is it a good aid?"
My first impression is that it reminded me of the "cast handstand trainer" with a bigger foam "barrel." Although it also seems to have height adjustment capabilities.
I can only base my opinion on the video provided by the company at it's site as I have not personally seen it in action.
My first reaction was not spontaneous delight and a desire to shout from the rooftops.
The gymnast depicted in the video was relatively small and seemed to make the foam barrel, supported by bungee cords (?), dip a fair distance in the middle of the skill - which I think is an unnatural motion to go through in the learning of a back handspring.
Even if the device is set higher, how much will it dip when used by a "normal-sized" cheerleader? Is there a weight limitation on the use of the device?
The device itself seemed to move around a bit in the video even with the relatively small demonstrator using it. How is it stabilized?
I am also not a fan of anything metal being used out on the gym floor as crooked landings could cause some leg and ankle injuries, even some hand and arm injuries if the athlete jumps back crooked and lands on the support legs.
I can't test it through illustrations or video to be sure, but I wonder how well the padding works on the upper parts of the supports on each side should an athlete jump back crooked and land on top of it.
The bottom line is I have no actual experience of the product, only observations and questions derived from viewing the company's video. It may be a perfectly fine device for some levels of training. Before buying, I would like to see it in action, in person.
Knowing a bit about your program, at this time I believe I would choose to go with foam barrels that seem to give more support throughout the skill and travel(roll)over a distance a bit more like a back handspring would. Foam barrels (of all sizes) are also more useful in setting up training circuits on the floor for preschool and recreational classes.
