About LL Expertise I can answer any big picture questions dealing with women`s gymnastics from technique to what goes on "behind the scenes". The main area I won`t be much help in is code of points and regulations dealing with the club and collegiate realm.
Experience I was a gymnast for 14 years. Competed at the elite level for 6 years and then at the division 1 collegiate level for 4 years. I have participated in national team training camps, competed at the Jr. Pan Am Games, World University Team Trials, U.S. Olympic Festival, among others.
Question How do you know when to stop spotting a gymnast? How do you push a gymnast? How do you make parents understand that they can't be spotted on everything. I feel that if you spot too much they will become dependent, but then how do help other coaches identify when they need to back off in spotting. Is backing off early more beneficial because the child doesn't have a chance to become dependent on that spot. And then how do you explain that to the parents.
Answer Jessica-
There is no one specific time when to stop spotting a gymnast, it is completely situation dependent because it depends on the gymnast's confidence, the difficulty of the move, etc. It is a decision that you would normally have to make based upon your feeling. However, when trying to decide when to step away from spotting, you should spot less and less, coming to the point that you are only standing there more for the gymnast's confidence rather than the spot itself. When you can stand there and just follow the gymnast and not have to help her through the move, that is when it is time to step away. I would definitely not back away from spotting too early because this could either injure the gymnast or result in a loss of confidence. You can explain to the parents by telling them that he/she will never improve nor gain confidence if you never stop spotting. The gymnast will never attain that feeling of achievement, which is what keeps the gymnast motivated. It is a fact of gymnastics that coaches must step away at some point. Gymnasts should be internally motivated to improve, but you can push them in many ways: rewards/incentives, tough love, or give them small goals that they can attain.
