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.
Question I have been having a difficult time doing my flyaway. I have had it for about 3 to 4 months now. But just recently I was doing the skill on the low bar with my coach. I got really scared and now I either release to early and face plant into the mat or I have a death grip and don't let go of the bar. I am getting very frustrated and I can tell my coach is to. I really want to get this skill back by myself.
My next problem is my fulls on floor. I have only performed this skill off the tumble track. My coach really want me to start twisting on floor so i can get it for level 7 and my layout is high enough. but every time I try to practice one on the tumble track or tramp I twist way to early. I am getting aggravated because i know i have to twist late but my body wont do it and i also end up only doing a half.
I really want both of these skill but my mind always tells me at the last minute i cant do it. Please help me!!!! thanks!!
Answer Hi Stac,
You wrote,"I really want both of these skill [flyaway & full twist] but my mind always tells me at the last minute i cant do it. Please help me!!!! thanks!!"
You have given me very little description of your performance of the skills to supply you with any technical suggestions, but that may not be important as you have given me ample evidence that your difficulty seems to be more in the area of mental preparation.
Have you ever heard the term, "analyze - paralyze"? When you think too hard about a skill you spend so much time analyzing that you literally paralyze your body and keep it from performing adequately.
Most gymnastics skills happen so quickly your body is virtually on autopilot. Thinking is much to slow to keep up with the speed of motion.
You need to go back to autopilot and think of only one correction or coaching suggestion per skill attempt, and then let your coach spot you safely through the skill.
That seems especially important on your flyaway.
Talk to your coach and work on focusing on just on element of change per skill attempt and let your body do the rest on autopilot and see what happens.
Then give me some feedback and we'll see what changes we can make for your full twist.
Always practice gymnastics skills under the guidance and supervision of a qualified gymnastics coach with USA Gymnastics Safety Certification.
