| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Restarting gymnastics | 11/6/2009 |
Q: i did gymnastics since was 2 until i was 10. I took time off because of injuries and i moved to a ...
A: It is not too late to start again. I know people in their sixties that still do gymnastics. Start ...
|
| motivation | 11/2/2009 |
Q: You so kindly answered a question about switching gyms some time again, and I again thank you for ...
A: I understand your concern, but I also know that you cannot make ("motivate") someone to do what YOU ...
|
| Where to purchase a door mounted bar | 11/2/2009 |
Q: I would like to purchase a door-mounted bar for my 5 year old to practice bar skills (e.g. ...
A: I believe the "door" bar pictured in the YouTube video is one you can get at most sporting goods or ...
|
| Is 1 hour a week enough time to effectively teach tumbling to a 7 year old? | 10/20/2009 |
Q: My daughter just turned 7 and just began tumbling classes 1 hour per week. She had absolutely no ...
A: I actually wrote the book on back handspring techniques and i can tell you without a doubt that ...
|
| 18??? | 10/18/2009 |
Q: But the problem is that I live in a small county town which does not have a gymnastics facility. ...
A: Penny, I know people who started gymnastics in their sixties, so no, 18 will not be too old. A year ...
|
| conditioning using ankle weights | 10/16/2009 |
Q: I was curious to know your thoughts on the safety of using ankle weights (1 lb) for conditioning ...
A: The use of ankle weights is certainly nothing new. My biggest concerns would be how the weights are ...
|
| Adult Gymnastics | 10/14/2009 |
Q: I am almost twenty years old and looking to begin gymnastics but I cannot seem to find any local ...
A: Brianna, I would check with the local colleges. Many colleges that have gymnastics teams usually ...
|
| prep op/high school gymnastics | 10/12/2009 |
Q: A quick background first: My daughter just quit (10/1) her USAG Level 7 team. She began having ...
A: Like falling off a horse, getting back in the saddle again as quickly as possible (safely) may be ...
|
| Prep-opt or Compulsary? | 10/5/2009 |
Q: We recently moved to the U.S. from another country where my 10-year-old competed in gymnastics for ...
A: Hey Jean, So many things to think about. First, take a few deep breaths. Now, I suggest you give ...
|
| Prep-opt or Compulsary? | 10/4/2009 |
Q: We recently moved to the U.S. from another country where my 10-year-old competed in gymnastics for ...
A: I have a few questions for you. What country are you from where they train Yurchenko's at Level 5? ...
|
| Shoulder Flexibility | 10/2/2009 |
Q: ..I've another question for you. I've written to you previously. My daughter is a seven year old ...
A: Miranda, Try going to www.the stretchinghandbook.com. ~Coach Rik~ Hi Miranda, Unfortunately, I ...
|
| Dealing with Pressure | 9/28/2009 |
Q: My daughter is 11 and is level 6. She is a very talented gymnast but gets extremely nervous right ...
A: The first thing I think you should do is read these two articles: "Self-Talk: One Key to Success" ...
|
| scores | 9/18/2009 |
Q: I was wondering if you could help me? I am in WI with a level 4 gymnast, my friend is in TX. ...
A: First, you must remember that they do everything bigger in Texas including gymnastics scores (just a ...
|
| Starting gymnastics | 9/18/2009 |
Q: Im 18 years old, and i started doing gymnastics when i was 4, but at the age of 10 i stopped doing ...
A: I know of people in their sixties still doing gymnastics, so I would guess you will do just fine. I ...
|
| Flyaways on bars | 9/16/2009 |
Q: I have a problem with flyaways. Okay, let me explain first. At my gymnastics centre we have a pit ...
A: G'day Ellen, First, let me say that I am not a sports psychologist and perhaps seeking the advice ...
|
| Starting a program | 9/15/2009 |
Q: I've read a couple of your posts and I hope you can help me. We have a group of moms that have been ...
A: You wrote, "We are just a group of moms trying to figure this all out. While one mom is a lawyer ...
|
| Glide Kips | 9/6/2009 |
Q: I know you get a lot of questions about glide kips and I have looked at all the answers, but my ...
A: You wrote, " ...my daughter who is a level 5 has her glide kip when she transitions from the low bar ...
|
| Scoring & Deductions for Level 5 team gymnastics | 8/28/2009 |
Q: My daughter is on a level 5 team, and she was asking me where I can print a sheet of 'deductions' so ...
A: You wrote, "My daughter is on a level 5 team, and she was asking me where I can print a sheet of ...
|
| starting again? | 8/26/2009 |
Q: I turn 15 in the begining of september, and i am really interested in doing gymnastics again. I did ...
A: You wrote, "Hi, I turn 15 in the begining of september, and i am really interested in doing ...
|
| Best age to begin & straight legs/pointed toes | 8/26/2009 |
Q: My daughter is seven and a half years old and changed from regional to national levels at the ...
A: You wrote, "My daughter is seven and a half years old and changed from regional to national levels ...
|
| Level 7 gym acro | 8/26/2009 |
Q: I was wondering if 7's need to do a gym acro (roundoff-jump or back handspring-jump) or is that ...
A: You wrote, "I was wondering if 7's need to do a gym acro (roundoff-jump or back handspring-jump) or ...
|
| Age | 8/25/2009 |
Q: Well I have a simple question. I am 16 years old, almost 17 and my dream was to become an elite ...
A: You wrote, "I am 16 years old, almost 17 and my dream was to become an elite gymnast my whole life." ...
|
| vault | 8/23/2009 |
Q: My daughter is a level 6, and she keeps tucking on her vault. She is doing great on all the other ...
A: As I said before, "I would need to know more about how she performs her vault to give you specific ...
|
| vault | 8/22/2009 |
Q: My daughter is a level 6, and she keeps tucking on her vault. She is doing great on all the other ...
A: I would need to know more about how she performs her vault to give you specific advice, however, I ...
|
| Doing Level 8 skills in Level 7 routines | 8/20/2009 |
Q: My daughter competed in three Level 7 meets scoring 35s. She is training Level 8 skills but they ...
A: You wrote, "My daughter competed in three Level 7 meets scoring 35s. She is training Level 8 skills ...
|
| Parent Organization Software | 8/19/2009 |
Q: I've recently become a board member at our Gymnastics Club's parent organization. We have about 60 ...
A: I do not know of any software specifically for gymnastics booster clubs. I do have a "Welcome to the ...
|
| Gymnastic levels | 8/19/2009 |
Q: I have a 5 yr old daughter that takes gymnastics at a local gym in houston, Texas. My daughter is ...
A: You wrote, "I have a 5 yr old daughter that takes gymnastics at a local gym in houston, Texas. My ...
|
| LOOKING FOR GYMNASTICS COACHES | 8/17/2009 |
Q: My daughter is 13 years old, she is level 8 and she has been practicing gymnastics since she was 6 ...
A: Hola Raul, My suggestion would be to place a classified ad on the www.usa-gymnastics.org web site. ...
|
| coaches fees | 8/16/2009 |
Q: Is it customary for a gymnast attending a national meet to pay coaches room and board? Also should ...
A: The short answer is yes to both questions. Most gym clubs have booster organizations to offset meet ...
|
| Back tumbling | 8/15/2009 |
Q: I am just starting to do round off-BHS on the floor after being able to do a standing BHS on ...
A: If you have two coaches there ready to spot you and you still will not go for the back handspring, I ...
|
| Hands Hurt Bars | 8/12/2009 |
Q: Recently, I haven't been able to do bars due to my hands hurting extremely badly. I don't have any ...
A: Hi, sorry for the delay, I just found your e-mail in my spam filter. Regarding the pain in your ...
|
| JO Gymnastics | 8/4/2009 |
Q: My daughter is currently training as a Level 6/7 for this up coming season. She is currently in the ...
A: The grass is always greener... or something like that. Maybe I mean "keep up with the ...
|
| 5 y/o moved to PreTeam | 7/31/2009 |
Q: Last year you responded to the following question. Gymnastics - 4 y/o LOVES gymnastic but ...
A: I am glad to hear that everything is working out. That is certainly thanks enough. Obviously, her ...
|
| coaching | 7/30/2009 |
Q: Do you feel there are different methods for coaching teenage gymnasts versus young children? The ...
A: You wrote, "Do you feel there are different methods for coaching teenage gymnasts versus young ...
|
| Safety and First Aid | 7/29/2009 |
Q: I was recently at my daughters gym when an accident happened. A child fell and was complaining of ...
A: First Aid Certification is high recommended, but unfortunately, as far as I am aware there is no ...
|
| Coaching and Judging | 7/27/2009 |
Q: My daughter is currently a level 4 gymnast and we the gym that we used to be members of had two ...
A: You wrote, "Can a person be a coach as well as a judge and also have children on the team that they ...
|
| 3 year old gymnast | 7/24/2009 |
Q: Coach Rik: Hi! I have a 3 year old daughter who has been in gymnastics for about 6 months. She ...
A: At 3 years old, the only thing I look for in a young gymnast is the ability to have fun. I also want ...
|
| Meet Fees | 7/19/2009 |
Q: We are at a new gym in our area. The owners are from Georgia where they owned a gym for 15 years. ...
A: You wrote about, "Due to the economy, they [the club owners] are wanting to start charging coaches ...
|
| Crooked Back Handspring | 7/15/2009 |
Q: Hey, I've had my back handspring for over a year now, and it NEVER used to be crooked. I started to ...
A: Is the problem mainly still in the round off back handspring? If so, my thought is that you may be ...
|
| Grips - holes too large? | 7/9/2009 |
Q: I have a question regarding the fit of grips. Grips were recommended for my daughter. She is a ...
A: I really can't suggest anything specific without seeing your daughter's hands and watching her grip ...
|
| Gymnastic levels | 7/8/2009 |
Q: I was wondering what level gymnast would I be. I'm a 14 year old gymnast and i've never competed but ...
A: You would probably start at Level 4. You may not have to compete at Level 4, if you can adequately ...
|
| changing clubs | 7/8/2009 |
Q: My 10yo daughter just did her first year in recreational competitive at level 2, training 2 nights ...
A: You wrote, "Why are there 2 different opinions on what level she is in?" After a few years ...
|
| requirements for competing in college | 7/5/2009 |
Q: I was told by my daughter's coach and other gym parents that to compete gymanstics in college you ...
A: You wrote, "I was told by my daughter's coach and other gym parents that to compete gymnastics in ...
|
| starting a gymnastic program | 7/1/2009 |
Q: Our elementary school has no after school sports programs. I would love to see a gymnastic program ...
A: I may be wrong, but I get the impression that you are looking for a fun program - not competitive, ...
|
| Back Handspring Trainer by Core | 6/27/2009 |
Q: What is your opinion of the backhandspring trainer by Core? I have read both pros (helps) and cons ...
A: You wrote, "What is your opinion of the backhandspring trainer by Core? I have read both pros ...
|
| Walk-on's | 6/27/2009 |
Q: I was just wondering when people say walk-on's what does it mean. Well I know it means that they ...
A: You wrote, "Hi! I was just wondering when people say walk-on's what does it mean. Well I know it ...
|
| time on a floor ruotines | 6/26/2009 |
Q: Hi im Amber and am 11years old and going to level 7 and am picking out floor music on my own but i ...
A: Hmmm..., I wonder if it is possible that a person who specializes in floor choreography and picking ...
|
| Feeling more then a little frustrated... | 6/26/2009 |
Q: Okay- this has been annoying me for the past several months. I need a second opinion. There's this ...
A: Your story has all the classic elements of a fairy tale waiting to come true. You could turn it ...
|
| flexability | 6/26/2009 |
Q: I have two daughters in gymnastics.My youngest is eight and she is on level 4.The oldest is ten and ...
A: You wrote about the fact that a "lack of flexibility, especially in the shoulders and upper back" ...
|
| flyaways and fulls | 6/19/2009 |
Q: I have been having a difficult time doing my flyaway. I have had it for about 3 to 4 months now. But ...
A: You wrote,"I really want both of these skill [flyaway & full twist] but my mind always tells me at ...
|
| Roundoff BHS & Grips | 6/17/2009 |
Q: I have two questions. The first one is about round off backhandsprings. I have a strong round off ...
A: I don't understand "I haven't been opening up my shoulders" ? Does that mean your arms are not ...
|
| routines | 6/12/2009 |
Q: if you know of anyone will you let me know? thank you.
A: You wrote, "hi im a level 7 and i am looking for someone who can choreograph my routine for me. if ...
|
| Too much gymnastics for an 8 year old | 6/10/2009 |
Q: My daughter who is 8 going on 9 has been doing gymnastics for 4 hours a week. They wanted her to go ...
A: You wrote, "My question is, by her age is she physically able to handle that amount of physical ...
|
| Fear of back walkover on beam | 6/7/2009 |
Q: Rik, My daughter is training level 6 and has developed a fear of the back walkover on the beam. ...
A: You wrote, "My daughter is training level 6 and has developed a fear of the back walkover on the ...
|
| Can I still do gymnastics? | 6/5/2009 |
Q: I have never really done gymnastics before but I'm pretty flexible. Sry that I am asking and saying ...
A: Yes, you can still do gymnastics. In fact, I am regularly in contact with a 60-year old gymnast. ...
|
| Front handspring vault | 6/4/2009 |
Q: My daughter is working on her level 5 vault and it looks like she is dumping over the table. Others ...
A: To develop a strong vault the gymnast should have: 1. A rock-solid handstand. 2. Exceptional arm ...
|
| Bent legs, connection | 6/4/2009 |
Q: When I do my back handspring, my legs just won't straighten. They are a little bent at the start ...
A: Based on your description my thought is you may need to add some strength exercises to your workout. ...
|
| Question ! | 5/25/2009 |
Q: I've just turned 23 years old and have started up gymnastics about 1 month ago. I interest to be a ...
A: If you really want to commit to gymnastics, and especially if you want to learn double back ...
|
| desperate for adult gym - help? | 5/23/2009 |
Q: I am a 31-year-old woman who did gymnastics and diving thru high school and competed in trampolining ...
A: You wrote, "Finding a gym that will work with adults is very hard - can you help me locate gyms?" ...
|
| having doubts about gym | 5/21/2009 |
Q: my question is about dealing with the other parents. At the gym my daughter attends there is a group ...
A: In my opinion, this is outrageous behavior on the part of the other parents and on the gym staff for ...
|
| cartwheel on beam | 5/14/2009 |
Q: My daughter a level 5 is working on her cartwheel on the beam and is having some trouble with it. ...
A: You wrote, "My daughter a level 5 is working on her cartwheel on the beam and is having some trouble ...
|
| Ready to compete | 5/13/2009 |
Q: My 5y/o just moved to advanced kinder gym, a class designed to prepare young gymnasts who show more ...
A: You wrote, "Do you think performing at a meet will be that much different for her than performing in ...
|
| Flexbility and stretching | 5/11/2009 |
Q: is stretching, to gain flexbility, till it's PAINFUL a good thing? I have seen so many ...
A: Hey Andrew, Personally, I think you should only stretch to the point where it is uncomfortable but ...
|
| 5 yr old level 4 or pre team | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I have a 5 yr old daughter who is currently in level 3. For the up coming season she has been ...
A: It is not a question of wrong or right; it is a question of what is best for the child, taking into ...
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| 5 yr old level 4 or pre team | 4/27/2009 |
Q: I have a 5 yr old daughter who is currently in level 3. For the up coming season she has been ...
A: You wrote, "Her gym, I believe, has the goal of producing Olympic gymnasts so it is an intense place ...
|
| 5 yr old level 4 or pre team | 4/26/2009 |
Q: I have a 5 yr old daughter who is currently in level 3. For the up coming season she has been ...
A: In my opinion, experience is always the best teacher. I believe actually competing at Level 4 would ...
|
| Cast - What is it? | 4/26/2009 |
Q: My 6 year old daughter is learning to do a cast on the bars. I have no idea what it is. Can you ...
A: You wrote, "My 6 year old daughter is learning to do a cast on the bars. I have no idea what it is. ...
|
| uneven bar grips | 4/25/2009 |
Q: for the past couple months I've had an on and off problem with my grips; instead of getting the ...
A: Sounds like a painful problem with your grips. I am assuming you wear tennis-style wrist sweatbands ...
|
| Gymnastics | 4/21/2009 |
Q: My 13, soon to be 14, year old daughter is training to compete L7 USA for the 2009-10 season. ...
A: The best person to answer this question is a friend and colleague of mine, Tom Kovic, who was also ...
|
| Back handspring | 4/18/2009 |
Q: The last skill I need for level 4 is a round off back handspring, but I can't even do a standing ...
A: It sounds like you may need to find a new coach. Most people, with proper training and physical ...
|
| Classmates acting up | 4/10/2009 |
Q: I go to a class at my gym that was labeled "advanced." I loved it at first, the coach was great and ...
A: It sounds like these classmates, certainly not serious gymnasts, are wasting your time and money. ...
|
| needed years at level 10 for NCAA scholarship | 4/7/2009 |
Q: I have a 1st year level 9 daughter, who is finishing her 8th grade year. She is hesitant to want ...
A: For a more in-depth and accurate answer I am going to refer you to a friend and colleague, Tom ...
|
| prep opt vs jo team | 4/4/2009 |
Q: My daughter is 7 years old and has been doing recreational gymnastics for just a year, once a week, ...
A: Every gymnast must come to this sport in their own time and in their own way. A coach that is ...
|
| fast track level 4 to level 5 | 4/3/2009 |
Q: I’m concerned about the coaching at my local gym. I’m going to set up a meeting with the coaches, ...
A: You wrote, "The stated goal of the program was that the girls would move up levels faster than the ...
|
| Should Irrational fear of bars end daughter's gymnastics | 3/29/2009 |
Q: Desr Rik My daughter is 11 years old and currently a Level 7 gymnast. The gym where she is at will ...
A: First, let me say that I am not a mental health professional. For advice on irrational fears, I ...
|
| progression chart | 3/26/2009 |
Q: I have just ordered two books from your web-site but what i am really really looking for is a ...
A: The books have been emailed to you. For additional ideas on progressions, I would suggest you get a ...
|
| eating before gymnastics | 3/26/2009 |
Q: I'm starting gymnastics and i don't know what to eat. I already have some stuff down,but I'm still ...
A: I would eat what your mother makes for you. There is no special diet, except that which keeps you ...
|
| Ankles, leg bends | 3/24/2009 |
Q: I'm having a weird problem. When I do round offs, I try to snap my legs together, but when I do, my ...
A: I have not heard of your ankle problem before. I would guess that the boney structure, known as the ...
|
| Rhythmic Gymnastics | 3/21/2009 |
Q: I am 14 and wanting to start rhythmic gymnastics.I have done quite a lot of ballet and I am pretty ...
A: The quick and accurate answer: you are only as old as you think. The real question is do you have ...
|
| Level 3 Gymnastics | 3/20/2009 |
Q: I was wondering how i could find out exactly how the judges are giving and taking points. My ...
A: The easiest thing to do would be to get a copy of the USAG Compulsory manual from USA Gymnastics ...
|
| Optionals | 3/18/2009 |
Q: We are considering switching gyms as I don't feel my daughter's gym does enough core conditioning ...
A: The amount of time spent on conditioning can vary throughout the season. Usually the most time spent ...
|
| Team record for safety and injuries | 3/17/2009 |
Q: How can I compare gyms when it comes to safety to avoid injuries related to competitive gymnastics? ...
A: One of the simplest ways to check on safety with regard to training is to look out in the gym and ...
|
| Tucks. | 3/14/2009 |
Q: I am having so much trouble sticking my tucks, rather it be a standing or round off back tuck. I ...
A: Justin, You wrote, "I used to be a gymnast when I was younger. I am 23 now. I have not done ...
|
| moving up or not | 3/10/2009 |
Q: My daughter is 6 and recently started Level 3 (2 months ago), the coach told me that they were ...
A: I would assume that good listening skills means that she follows directions effectively. With ...
|
| gymnastics levels | 3/8/2009 |
Q: My 12 year old daughter has been doing gymnastics since she was three. She attends a ...
A: Unfortunately, I can't seem to find the list either. I spent a half hour searching the ...
|
| College gymnastics | 3/7/2009 |
Q: I am a competitive gymmast level 3 almost level 4 and i was wondering if i work hard enough to make ...
A: Yes, I believe you would be able to compete at the college level in the United States. I say this ...
|
| moving up or not | 3/6/2009 |
Q: My daughter is 6 and recently started Level 3 (2 months ago), the coach told me that they were ...
A: I think your points are valid. I don't believe there is anything wrong with focusing on the basics ...
|
| Full Turn on Beam | 3/5/2009 |
Q: My daughter has been doing a full turn on beam for almost a year. She always makes it and never ...
A: You asked, " Is there anything she can do to stop wobbling? (on a full turn)." Yes, there are two ...
|
| Vault Half on-Half off | 3/4/2009 |
Q: I have a question about the half on half off vault. I basically can not figure out what way they ...
A: For a half on half off vault my theory was if I could see their stomachs on the preflight (half on), ...
|
| yurchenko :URGENT | 3/3/2009 |
Q: My daughter says she is going to quit tonight at practice.She is Level 8,and 11 years old,we go to ...
A: I have to tell you from the outset that I am working from a dramatic disadvantage because I have no ...
|
| Right eye | 2/24/2009 |
Q: I'm right handed, but I do splits, cartwheels, roundoffs etc with my left foot. I think it's ...
A: I'm right handed, but I did splits, cartwheels, roundoffs etc with my left foot - nothing wrong with ...
|
| pullover conditioning | 2/22/2009 |
Q: whenever i try to do a back pullover i just cant get over i think its to do with my lack of strenth ...
A: Can you do one complete pull up from a hang on the high bar of the unevens? If you are unable to do ...
|
| switching gyms | 2/18/2009 |
Q: My daughter is a 9 yo level 5 gymnast in a Y and competes both Y league and USAG. Our gym and ...
A: You wrote, "My question is, at what point do you consider pulling your child from a gym and moving ...
|
| Skipping Levels | 2/16/2009 |
Q: I have a question about the benefit/detriment of skipping levels. My daughter is 9 and a 1st year ...
A: I am assuming that your daughter's "loftier" goals includes the Olympics? Both of you should keep in ...
|
| Money | 2/12/2009 |
Q: Is it legal for a twelve year old girl to provide some kind of service to her gym (like cleaning ...
A: You wrote, "Is it legal for a twelve year old girl to provide some kind of service to her gym (like ...
|
| Level Progression | 2/10/2009 |
Q: I have a question for you, but I might as well fill you in on my situation. I just turned 15 and I ...
A: According to Section II, number 12 in "Rules & Policies" you may only advance one level per season. ...
|
| Jr Olympics | 2/9/2009 |
Q: My daughter is a level 4 and will be moving to level 5 in the summer. How do you get chosen to be ...
A: I believe YMCA's compete in the AAU system or Amateur Athletic Union, but many also compete in USAG ...
|
| age | 2/8/2009 |
Q: I'm fourteen and have never ever been in gymnastics. is it to late for me to start?
A: It is never too late to start. The real question is what is your goal? If you are doing it for fun ...
|
| Front hipcircle and cast squat on | 2/7/2009 |
Q: I'm having some problems with my front hipcircle. My coach says I don't pike enough and just let my ...
A: Personally, I don't suggest starting a front hip circle by lifting so high the shoulders are hunched ...
|
| Level Progression | 2/7/2009 |
Q: I have a question for you, but I might as well fill you in on my situation. I just turned 15 and I ...
A: I believe you can bet tested by a coach who is a Level 4 Skills Evaluator. If you have the skills ...
|
| Level 5 Training | 2/5/2009 |
Q: Do you think it is necessary at Level 5 to have specific trainers for each event? Also, how often ...
A: You wrote, "Do you think it is necessary at Level 5 to have specific trainers for each event?" It ...
|
| Suggestions for New Gymnast, Level 2 Music | 2/3/2009 |
Q: My six year old started gymnastics in the fall, and just moved to the Level 2 team. She's starting ...
A: As to what you can work with your daughter at home, I would get that information directly from her ...
|
| slow beam bhs | 2/1/2009 |
Q: I have been working my bhs on beam for a couple months now. Recently, they have become mostly by ...
A: To build your confidence, which it seems is most important for you at this point, I would put the ...
|
| back walkover- back kickover | 1/31/2009 |
Q: when ever i try to do either a back walkover or a back kick over i just cant kick over do you know ...
A: Have you worked on shoulder and back flexibility? Try going to www.thestretchinghandbook.com/ for ...
|
| level progression | 1/30/2009 |
Q: My 6 year old daughter has been doing gymnastics for 7 months. She is advancing way faster than I ...
A: The difference between a dream and a fantasy is a definable goal based in day-to-day reality. At ...
|
| level 7 vault | 1/30/2009 |
Q: Is the level 7 vault judged the same as a level 6 or 5? If a gymnast consitently gets 9's as a 6 can ...
A: My experience in the sport suggests that at each higher level more is expected of the gymnast. So, ...
|
| crooked backhandspring | 1/28/2009 |
Q: My daughter has been doing round off backhandsprings for many months now but I have noticed in the ...
A: If your daughter's standing back handspring is straight, then my impression is that the problem is ...
|
| level 5 floor dbl backhandsprings | 1/25/2009 |
Q: I was wondering if you have any advice that might help my daughter with her challenge of ...
A: Unfortunately, the information you provide is not enough for me to get an adequate picture of your ...
|
| gymnastics for a teen beginner | 1/24/2009 |
Q: My daughter is 14 and has only had a couple of months of gymnastics--once when she was 6, and again ...
A: 14 is still young enough to enjoy the sport and perhaps have a shot at college level gymnastics and ...
|
| Back Handspring | 1/24/2009 |
Q: I am currently in a tumbling class 1-2 times a week and I am trying to achieve my back handspring. I ...
A: This is Coach Rik. I have a few ideas for your back handsprings. I think your problem may be a ...
|
| mental block (tumbling) help!! | 1/23/2009 |
Q: ok so ive been a cheerleader for around 10 years and im 15, i cheer for basics superstars, wellsburg ...
A: This is Coach Rik. I grabbed your question out of the "Question Pool." I believe what you are going ...
|
| Elite gymnastics | 1/21/2009 |
Q: I am currently a level 3 competitive gymnast and 14 years old (this is my first year). I would ...
A: My personal motto is, "If you believe you can - you can. If you believe you can't - you can't." ...
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| Jaeger variations | 1/20/2009 |
Q: I've seen people do jaegers in pike and straddle positions. Has anyone ever done one in a tuck? ...
A: I don't recall ever seeing one done in a tuck, but I would bet someone, somewhere has attempted it. ...
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| Tumbling Mental Block | 1/19/2009 |
Q: My daughter is 8 years old and competing as a level 4. She has been doing very well and recieved a ...
A: I have had gymnasts that after several years of consistent and high-level tumbling suddenly ...
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| Level 7 floor requirements | 1/19/2009 |
Q: My 8 year old daughter is a new level 7 this year and so far is having difficulty achieving a high ...
A: The expert on floor choreography is Kris Robinson at theposturelady@aol.com. Kris would be the best ...
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| When is fear something more? | 1/16/2009 |
Q: I am currently a competitive gymnastics coach and was formerly a competitive gymnast. My daughter, ...
A: The basics of training any gymnastics skill require a coach to make sure the gymnast is prepared ...
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| Boys Gymnastics | 1/13/2009 |
Q: he has never been in gymnastics before but I really think it is a sport he could excel in. He has ...
A: It definitely sounds like he is a good candidate to excel in the sport of gymnastics. One way you ...
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| Giants | 1/13/2009 |
Q: I have a question regarding giants....my daughter is a new level 7 and is having difficulty getting ...
A: You have given me too little information to make an accurate judgment of this skill. My knee jerk ...
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| Round-off double back handspring. | 1/8/2009 |
Q: Hey I have been having trouble with my round-off into two back handsprings. I go pretty crooked and ...
A: The simple steps to a good round off are: 1) You need a rock-solid handstand. Do 5,212 handstands ...
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| back somersault | 1/8/2009 |
Q: All my friends at gym can do a standing back somersault and i really want to be able to do one as ...
A: You wrote, "Are there any drills, skills or suggestions you could offer to help me learn this skill ...
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| flyaways | 1/5/2009 |
Q: Okay, so it took me awhile to do my flyaway. i finally did it with a spot on highbar because I was ...
A: Each and every time you go for a skill, you must perform it as if there was no spotter present. That ...
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| Stright arm back roll | 1/4/2009 |
Q: I am a coach at a small gym. I mostly coach level 3. My gymnast are quite good. All of them have a ...
A: My thinking on this matter is that your gymnasts may not have enough arm and shoulder strength to do ...
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| competition readiness? - sorry long. | 12/13/2008 |
Q: my daughter, just had her first level 8 meet. Prior to this she had some lower leg issues and for ...
A: Sorry for the delay in answering. You wrote, "Her tumbling was practiced on the tumble track for ...
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| To compete or not compete | 12/12/2008 |
Q: Our daughter will be 6 years old next April and has been invited to move up to either level 4 or 5 ...
A: In my opinion, without a doubt, I would have her gain competition experience at Level 4. The ...
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| competition readiness? - sorry long. | 12/12/2008 |
Q: my daughter, just had her first level 8 meet. Prior to this she had some lower leg issues and for ...
A: The answer I give is my personal opinion and may or may not be accurate for your situation. First, ...
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| repeat level 4? | 12/11/2008 |
Q: My daughter is 6 and half years old. She just competed level 4 season this year. She also completed ...
A: There are several factors which can affect this answer. 1) What is the primary goal of the team ...
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| Individual Event Specialist | 11/27/2008 |
Q: I am a level 8 gymnast and i am no longer able to train due to my parents concerns about my health ...
A: I am sorry but I do not have enough information about that program. If memory serves me correctly, ...
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| Eating disorders in gymnastics | 11/25/2008 |
Q: my name is Ashleigh, I'm 16 , and i am a competitive gymnast. I am doing a research paper for ...
A: I certainly cannot claim to be an expert in the area of eating disorders. I can give you my opinion, ...
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| Undershoot dismount | 11/25/2008 |
Q: My 7 year old is trying to learn her undershoot for her first cometion that starts in about a month. ...
A: This is a typical situation for many gymnasts. Sometimes it has to do with conditioning - the ...
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| Gymnastics floor | 11/24/2008 |
Q: Could you please direct us in the direction of a gymnastics choreographer. My daughter is a 12 year ...
A: I know just the person. Her name is Kris Robinson and she is a nationally ranked choreographer. In ...
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| Level 7 Women's JO | 11/19/2008 |
Q: My daughter is switching from Prep Optional to Level 7 JO. She currently has a C skill in her bar ...
A: Sorry for the delay. I am recovering from a couple of weeks on the road. The best person to answer ...
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| Competition Format Terms | 11/19/2008 |
Q: In gymnastics meet information, I often see references to "traditional format" and "modified ...
A: The various types of "formatting" have to do with how warm-up and then competition will be ...
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| gymnastics teaching | 11/5/2008 |
Q: My daughter is completing high school this year and wants to teach gymnastics the only college we ...
A: Hey Thomas! I do not have the answer. I think I might know someone who does. His name is Rick ...
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| Hand hurts | 11/4/2008 |
Q: Rik, My hand hurts and I've been practicing hand stands a LOT for the past week or so. I haven't ...
A: Hey Andrew! Stop doing handstands. Seriously, stop doing handstands until you have had your wrist ...
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| Six Year Old Gymnast Level 5 | 11/3/2008 |
Q: My daughter turned six in June and is currently competing Level 4. She is doing well, will be going ...
A: There is no correct or satisfying answer to this question. As a parent you will literally have to ...
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| Nutrition | 10/31/2008 |
Q: Well, tis the season for early morning Saturday practices and first session meets. My stubborn 9 ...
A: I am probably not going to be of much help. Frankly, I don't think anyone knows enough about ...
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| moving to preteam | 10/29/2008 |
Q: My daughter is almost 6, she's been going to rec classes since she was 2, once a week. This year we ...
A: You wrote, "Is it possible that they just want more money out of us?" Of course they do! How do you ...
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| Handstand question | 10/26/2008 |
Q: When you are doing a hand stand, I have heard that you should be keeping your body tight. However, ...
A: How many handstands have you practiced? Keeping your core body tight during a handstand is crucial ...
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| Business Case | 10/26/2008 |
Q: I got ask to make a business case to the President of the sport center where i work , about the ...
A: I am not sure i completely understand your question. Are you looking for a basic guideline or floor ...
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| Plausible routine for college bound invitational | 10/25/2008 |
Q: I am an author working on a short story in which a gymnast in her senior year of high school is ...
A: Plausible, huh? As a former gymnastics coach, I can tell you very little is plausible about defying ...
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| Gymnastic at 20 | 10/25/2008 |
Q: I am really interested in starting gymnastic but the thing is I have no Idea whatsoever if i need ...
A: Unfortunately, I have no idea of your physical condition, so making a judgment based on an e-mail ...
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| USAG Level 4 music | 10/21/2008 |
Q: I'm looking for the name of the USAG Level 4 girl's Floor Music? Thank you, Pearl
A: I do not know the name of the Level 4 music, but I bet if you contact www.usa-gymnastics.org you can ...
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| 3 year old w/ talent | 10/20/2008 |
Q: I have been taking my 3 1/2 year old girl to a recreational gymnastics/acrobatics school. She ...
A: This is always a tough question to answer, but I believe I am going to side with your daughter. She ...
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| rehab after wrist fracture | 10/18/2008 |
Q: MY 7yr old daughter (level 4) was just diagnosed with a torus fracture of her right wrist. ...
A: First, let me state emphatically that I am not a doctor, do not have a medical degree, and am not ...
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| What am I doing to my 6 year old? | 10/17/2008 |
Q: I've noticed more questions about age and my daughter fits in this club. She just turned 6 in ...
A: You wrote, "Our gym knows what it is doing as we had an Olympian from our gym this year and others ...
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| Gyms | 10/16/2008 |
Q: I'm twelve years old, a level three in everything but bars and beam, (I'm almost level 5 on beam! ...
A: You are only limited by your imagination. You must be willing to take whatever action you need to ...
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| Level 4, Level 5 question | 10/15/2008 |
Q: Our gym registered my daughter as a level 5 gymnast this year, and registered her for three meets, ...
A: I think your daughter may be able to compete as a Level 4 if she has not competed Level 5 in any ...
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| Grip Gripes | 10/14/2008 |
Q: My daughter (age 8,level 5) uses dowel grips. Just recently she has complained that the inside of ...
A: I have never heard of this before. It sounds as though there is an allergic reaction taking place. ...
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| Press to handstand | 10/13/2008 |
Q: I'm a British gymnast and for level comps I would love to do some sort of press to handstand (any ...
A: It sounds like you already have a good start on some of the basic drills needed for a press ...
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| Gymnastics in different countries | 10/11/2008 |
Q: My daughter is 10years old and about to compete in her first meet as a level 6. Our family is then ...
A: I am sorry, but I have absolutely no idea what is available in China regarding gymnastics training. ...
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| gOLLEGE GYMNASTICS | 10/8/2008 |
Q: I HOPING TO JOIN A COLLEGE TEAM. I HAVE NOT DECIDED ON THE COLLEGE BUT IT WILL BE IN MI. MY QUESTION ...
A: The best person to answer a question about joining a college team would be a college coach. I know ...
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| Getting to Olympics | 10/5/2008 |
Q: I'm tweleve, and i really want to make Olympics in Men's gymnastics, but i'm not even close! i can ...
A: Hey Nick, I truly believe that strength is the single most important "physical" element in ...
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| gymnastics mat | 10/4/2008 |
Q: i want to practice gymnastics at home but my carpet floor is a bit hard. whats the cheapest thing i ...
A: Hey Ethan, For safety's sake and for consistency of training, you really do need a gymnastics mat. ...
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| Gymnastics College in USA | 10/1/2008 |
Q: I live in Mexico, I have a daughter that has been practicing gymnastics since she was 6 years old, I ...
A: My two favorite camps are both in Pennsylvania. The first is Woodward Gymnastics Camp ...
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| Back handsprings | 10/1/2008 |
Q: I'm a level 5 gymnast, and I'm having a hard time with my back handsprings. I can do a round ...
A: I would practice doing more passes of back handsprings. I used to have gymnasts do up to 30 passes ...
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| circuits and games | 9/29/2008 |
Q: I need a few ideas on circuits and games. Also do u know how to play crab soccer and the age of this ...
A: Your best bet for information for this age group is to go to Patti Komara's site at: ...
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| Back handsprings | 9/29/2008 |
Q: I'm a level 5 gymnast, and I'm having a hard time with my back handsprings. I can do a round ...
A: Do you have any problems with breathing like asthma, bronchitis, allergies, maybe a cold or flu? ...
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| Gymnastics rookie | 9/29/2008 |
Q: I'm a 19 year old male and I would like to start gymnastics. I don't expect to compete in the ...
A: Southern California is actually a great area to be involved in gymnastics. I think you will find ...
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| gymnastics divisions among the levels | 9/28/2008 |
Q: My daughter is level 4. She participated in AAU and her team is doing some local regional meets ...
A: As afar as I know, this may be a system that your coach has devised. I checked the AAU web site and ...
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| gymnast with bipolar disorder | 9/28/2008 |
Q: We recently ran into a difficult situation at a gym we have been with for many years. I am ...
A: I know what I know, and I know what I don't know. I don't know enough about bipolar disorder myself ...
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| Gymnastics rookie | 9/27/2008 |
Q: I'm a 19 year old male and I would like to start gymnastics. I don't expect to compete in the ...
A: You have chosen a demanding but achievable goal. The best advice I can give you right now is to get ...
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| Age and Gymnastics | 9/27/2008 |
Q: I am a new gymnast who started pretty late. I am 16 now and have a natural and strong love for ...
A: The short answer is all things are possible to those who believe in themselves. Do you believe you ...
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| class needs focus!! | 9/26/2008 |
Q: I have been coaching classes with levels 4-6 girls. they are talented but at their age they don't ...
A: Hey Chels, Have you thought about rewarding the behavior you desire? Catch athletes doing something ...
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| backhandspring | 9/26/2008 |
Q: I coach 5 and 6 year olds. Have a 5 year old who is doing backhandsprings on a soft mat. 2 ...
A: I would probably start with some more basic exercises like regular push ups on the floor or maybe ...
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| gymnastics levels | 9/25/2008 |
Q: I was hoping you could give me a general idea of the skills needed when entering a level 1 class. My ...
A: I don't believe I can answer your question adequately. Gymnastics programs may differ with regard ...
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| Straddle up to handstand | 9/23/2008 |
Q: My daughter is a 10 year old Level 7. She has all of her required skills to compete at this level, ...
A: Long story; short version - a growth spurt causes a shift in the body's center of gravity, that ...
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| standing back tucks | 9/19/2008 |
Q: I am having problems getting my knees to bend in a rbhs back tuck and standing. I can do a standing ...
A: I am having a hard time deciphering your meaning. You wrote, " I am having problems getting my ...
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| connecting handsprings | 9/17/2008 |
Q: what is the best advice on connecting back handsprings on beam. i always pause, and get the ...
A: I believe the key may be in the speed of motion. I would normally tell a gymnast to step down out of ...
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| college gymnastics | 9/16/2008 |
Q: My daughter is in 9th grade and competing level 8. She would love to continue gymnastics through ...
A: I am going to re-direct you to a friend of mine who is eminently more qualified to answer your ...
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| fear and individual event specialist | 9/12/2008 |
Q: My daughter was a level 7 last year and is working to be a level 8. She is 12. She has developed a ...
A: (Hey, that sounds familiar!) There is certainly nothing wrong with being an Independent Event ...
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| starting a gymnastics school | 9/10/2008 |
Q: where i live there is no gymnastics school. iwas in gymnastics for 10 years but that has been about ...
A: My suggestion is that you first go online to www.usa-gymnastics.org and order a copy of the Safety ...
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| Where's the limit? | 9/9/2008 |
Q: my daughter has currently been in gymnastics for about a year. When she first started she moved ...
A: Budget? We don't need no stinkin budgets! Rachel, The only limiting factor here is your belief. ...
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| going back in to gymnastics | 9/5/2008 |
Q: I am 24 years old and would love to start practicing gymnastics agian, Ive been involved with the ...
A: Go for it Kim! You are as young as you feel. According to people who know me I act just like a ...
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| handstand practice safety concern | 9/2/2008 |
Q: My 4 year-old daughter recently started taking gymnastics classes (1 day / week). She is very ...
A: Hey Andy, I have to agree with your concern on this skill. I suggest you learn from the coach the ...
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| front walkovers? | 9/2/2008 |
Q: do you have any tips to help me straighten out and control my front walovers better? and is there ...
A: Shannon, It sounds like what you are doing might be called a "Tinsica." Are your shoulders square ...
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| blind change / front giant | 8/30/2008 |
Q: My daughter is training to do a blind change - front giant in her level 8 bar routine to fulfill the ...
A: You wrote, "can you tell me why blinds/front giants aren't more "common" in L8?" No, but I can make ...
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| Finding an Elite gym | 8/30/2008 |
Q: Rik, Can you tell me how to go about finding a gym that trains at the elite level? I have gone to ...
A: Let me ask you a question that may also help with the question of where to move so your daughter can ...
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| front walkovers? | 8/30/2008 |
Q: do you have any tips to help me straighten out and control my front walovers better? and is there ...
A: I might be able to help you but first you must help me by giving me a complete description of what ...
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| Back tuck | 8/29/2008 |
Q: When I used to do a standing back tuck on floor, I used to not get any height which would make it ...
A: Lauren, Two problems with standing back tucks: 1. For every action there is an equal an opposite ...
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| Finding an Elite gym | 8/29/2008 |
Q: Rik, Can you tell me how to go about finding a gym that trains at the elite level? I have gone to ...
A: Well, one of the easiest ways to get a listing of gymnastics clubs that train at the elite level is ...
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| How can a girl get more reps? | 8/28/2008 |
Q: My daughter's team shares gym time and equipment with several classes, so the number of repetitions ...
A: Only your coach can suggest skills, drills, or exercises appropriate to your daughter's needs and ...
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| Coaches fees | 8/25/2008 |
Q: We have just organized a booster club to support our competitive gymnasts. I have found some great ...
A: You wrote, "what is the normal coaches fees for each meet that is generally paid by the booster ...
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| balance | 8/25/2008 |
Q: I am doing research for an article on balance. In your experience, would you say that some people ...
A: As with all things, there always seem to be those with innate abilities, so yes, some gymnasts seem ...
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| RE: High School Gymnastics | 8/25/2008 |
Q: Our daughter would like to do high school gymnastics this year. She has done competitive gymnastics ...
A: I do not know the answer to your question, although I suspect the Athletic Director at your school ...
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| Returning to gymnastics | 8/23/2008 |
Q: My daughter spent 5 years in gymnastics and reached level 7 when she was 9 years old. We live in ...
A: I believe she would be allowed to compete Level 7 again, obviously once she is ready. After such a ...
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| gymnast vocal noise during routines question | 8/22/2008 |
Q: are gymnasts allowed to make any vocal noises during their routines? For example, can a female on a ...
A: I believe the gymnast must be silent during the routine. In fact, in the past I have seen a ...
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| gymnastics | 8/21/2008 |
Q: I'm going on 21 in Iraq, and wont be back in CO til march of 09, but I tried everything to find gyms ...
A: Hey SPC O'Toole, I wish I had better news for you, but each club determines the types of gymnastics ...
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| Making your coaches proud | 8/20/2008 |
Q: I'll admit that i'm not the best gymnast in my group.I REALLY want to make my coaches proud of me ...
A: You make everyone proud of you by always doing the best you can in that moment. Creating an ...
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| where to find actual Olympic judges scores | 8/20/2008 |
Q: I teach statistics and became interested in the scoring in gymnastics for the Olympics. The ...
A: Sorry, I do not know the specific answer to your question. I would suggest you check directly with ...
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| the right start | 8/19/2008 |
Q: Rik, Could you please tell me about getting the right start for my 5 yr old daughter? We started ...
A: I am actually working on an article of this very same topic, although I think you need to hear the ...
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| Elite Gymnastics Routine Requirements | 8/18/2008 |
Q: Are there specific elements that elite female gymnasts must perform on bars, beam, and floor? If ...
A: As in all levels of gymnastics there are certain requirements that must be met to achieve the ...
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| Starting gymnastics at 21 | 8/18/2008 |
Q: I used to be a competitive gymnast for several years but then had to take 5 years off due to ...
A: I have been asked this question in a variety of forms and my answer will always be the same. Do you ...
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| How to tell the coach you're leaving? | 8/16/2008 |
Q: I hope you are well. I've been reading the questions sent to you and the answers posted by you on ...
A: I am sorry for the delay. My main computer got hit by a massive virus and is now ending its days as ...
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| Gym | 8/15/2008 |
Q: Can i begin gymnastics from 13?i would like to cause i made gymnastics when i was 8 or 9 and was ...
A: I have been asked this question in a variety of forms and my answer will always be the same. Do you ...
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| 20 yr old beginner... | 8/15/2008 |
Q: my name is Stephanie, and I am 20 years old. i have had an increasing desire to learn gymnastics. i ...
A: Sorry, I do not know of any clubs in that area as I live in Florida. You can go online to ...
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| Too late? | 8/15/2008 |
Q: I am 16 and just starting gymnastics. I was wondering if was too late for me to start competing. And ...
A: I have been asked this question in a variety of forms and my answer will always be the same. Do you ...
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| adult recreational gymnastics | 8/11/2008 |
Q: I'm 21 years old and quite tall (5'8"). I used to do gymnastics when I was very little (3 or 4) ...
A: First, I would get a physical exam by qualified medical personnel. Second, lacrosse and running help ...
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| Really needing advice. | 8/11/2008 |
Q: Hey. I started gymnastics at 6. But my coaches said to me at about 10/11 that i wasnt going anywhere ...
A: If I said you are a truck, would you believe me? If I said you are a flying meatball, would you ...
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| Flexability | 8/11/2008 |
Q: I Started gymnastics last fall and so far i am up to level 3. I am farely good, but i want to be ...
A: You can get some flexibility tips at: ...
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| backwalkover on beam | 8/9/2008 |
Q: last year was my 2nd year of level five and this year i would love to move up to 6 but im afraid ...
A: I definitely would stay with the team workout program. I might even suggest that 3-days at 3-hours ...
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| financial aid | 8/4/2008 |
Q: Do you know of any company, government entity, or organization that provides grants or scholarships ...
A: I am sad to say, I have no ideas on this matter, but it does pique my curiosity. Please write me if ...
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| How old is too old? | 8/3/2008 |
Q: I'm starting gymnastics in september, and although i'm strong and flexible, i'm also quite tall. i'm ...
A: Too old is when you believe you are too old! You certainly may have to work harder than others that ...
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| college divisions | 8/1/2008 |
Q: My daughter will be competing Level 10 as a senior this year. She was very successful as a level 9 ...
A: If your focus is "How can the sport of gymnastics supply my daughter with a full scholarship to ...
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| to old for level 7 | 7/30/2008 |
Q: My daughter is a level 7 gymnast at a very well known gym. She is 13 years old and is repeating ...
A: My first concern would be your daughter's health. Make sure she is appropriately recovered from the ...
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| Prep Op | 7/27/2008 |
Q: I have just started in "Prep Op" gymnastics and am wondering what level I am, and am what levels ...
A: In most cases, Prep Op is a stage that is sandwiched in between Level 6 and Level 7 as a system of ...
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| level 7 routine | 7/23/2008 |
Q: I am currently trying to choreograph my level 7 floor routine for this upcoming season. At gym the ...
A: Choreography is not high on my repertoire of skills. I suggest you get in touch with "The Posture ...
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| HELP! parents dont want me to go back to gym... and i need help as to how to get into shape again | 7/21/2008 |
Q: Im sorry if this is too long, but i really need you to understand my situtation... so maybe you can ...
A: You wrote, "I had lower back pain all the time.. not just at the gym..." "I went to several ...
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| Are we encouraging our L-5 daughter enough? | 7/16/2008 |
Q: My daughter started L-3 USAG at age 7, moved up to L-4 at age 8, and now at 9 years is at Level 5 ...
A: I am going to respond to your query in the body of your letter by placing brackets around my ...
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| General | 7/14/2008 |
Q: I am 11 years old and I've been doing gymnastics for about 2 months. I have some questions ...
A: One of the best things about gymnastics is nothing is given to you; you must work to get the skills ...
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| Back walkover straight leg | 7/13/2008 |
Q: Sorry about that Rik - After I re-read the question I started thinking the same thing. When my ...
A: I don't think this is an issue with flexibility as much as it is with strength. Or, it could be as ...
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| Grips | 7/11/2008 |
Q: Rik, My daughter is 6 years old and training level 4. She is amazing on bars, scored a team record ...
A: Should I make the assumption that you are talking about dowel grips? Is your daughter working on ...
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| JO Compulsory Music | 7/8/2008 |
Q: I was just at National Congress and attended a session with Tom Koll, one of the choreographers for ...
A: No, I have not heard about this yet. I did not attend Tom Koll's session. I would imagine the music ...
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| mini-squad gymnastics plans. | 7/8/2008 |
Q: I am a coach of a group of 8 girls aged 5-6 years old who are all currently in our teams development ...
A: Sounds like you are doing a great job. I believe the problem you are facing is one of motivation, ...
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| 6 year old new to competitive | 7/6/2008 |
Q: This may be hard for you to answer but maybe you can give suggestions. I have a 6-year-old who has ...
A: You wrote, "she's saying that it hurts and she doesn't want to do it." What hurts? Did she get ...
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| Form and tight body issues | 7/5/2008 |
Q: My 8 year old daughter was not picked for the level 4 team this year and instead told to stay ...
A: I will answer you [in brackets] in the body of your letter. My 8 year old daughter was not picked ...
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| The basics.... | 7/2/2008 |
Q: My daughter just can't seem to keep the basics in tact. She is 8, Level 5 and she can't seem to get ...
A: At 8 years old I was lucky if I could walk three steps without falling on my face. I think sometimes ...
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| Tired Muscles | 6/16/2008 |
Q: Recently I got my glide kip (which I have been working on for nearly 4 months) on Tuesday. When I ...
A: Sounds like your Dad is a pretty smart guy. Rest and light range of motion exercises are often the ...
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| The right gym? | 6/16/2008 |
Q: My daughter has been in gymnastics for 3 years, has improved (statistically) moving up (4-5-6) each ...
A: I think the best person to contact would be a friend of mine: Tom Kovic. Tom Kovic is the former ...
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| Tired Muscles | 6/13/2008 |
Q: Recently I got my glide kip (which I have been working on for nearly 4 months) on Tuesday. When I ...
A: Is it a dull ache or a sharp pain? If you strained a muscle or tendon during the performance of a ...
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| Should I do flips in my basement? | 6/12/2008 |
Q: Ex gymnast, I was level 9 last time I was in the states and level 10 before I quit. When I was in ...
A: Please! No flips in the basement. At the seriously decrepit age of 19 you should only concern ...
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| olympic rules and regultion for gymnastics | 6/10/2008 |
Q: ..tjis is krish.I am workin as a gymnastic coach..i need to know about ENTIRE rules and regulations ...
A: The answer to all your questions can be found at: http://www.fig-gymnastics.com/ This is the site ...
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| college gymnastics | 6/4/2008 |
Q: I've found on the internet that most of the major colleges accept level 10 and elite gymnasts into ...
A: I do not know enough about college gymnastics to give you a helpful answer, however, a friend of ...
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| dive roll/salto? | 6/3/2008 |
Q: last night at practice my daughter (the 8 year old, in Level 2/3) was practicing dive rolls for the ...
A: Yikes is right! In my humble opinion, a front somersault is safer than a dive roll and a no-handed ...
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| Elite training | 5/31/2008 |
Q: Is there a particular age / level when the decision should be made to relocate to an area with an ...
A: If there was a definitive answer to that question, many parents, gymnast, and coaches would sleep ...
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| elite track | 5/29/2008 |
Q: my 8 year old (the one I told you is working on her arm strength) has her sights set high. She has ...
A: I would say you are caught between a bedrock gymnastics program and a financial hard spot. Some ...
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| Choosing a college program | 5/28/2008 |
Q: My daughter will be a Level 10 gymnast and high school senior for the 2008-2009 school year.She has ...
A: A friend and former teammate of mine from Temple University focuses on college scholarships for ...
|
| pullups/pullovers/arm strength | 5/25/2008 |
Q: I have an 8 year old daughter who, although very flexible, and very talented, has poor arm strength. ...
A: If your daughter is unable to do even one pull-up, you may want to have her practice "negatives" and ...
|
| Gymnastics in India | 5/22/2008 |
Q: My daughter is 6 and 1/2 year old. After observing her attitude towards such physical activities at ...
A: You wrote, "My daughter is 6 and 1/2 year old. After observing her attitude towards such physical ...
|
| Seeking help in choosing proper class | 5/21/2008 |
Q: I am a Level 3 and 4 coach and a parent to a 4 year old daughter. She is skill wise keeping up ...
A: As a coach and colleague to other coaches with kids I must admit to not having the perfect solution, ...
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| My childs gymnastics dillemma | 5/21/2008 |
Q: In the eyes of this sport my daughter is relatively a newbie. She has been in gymnastics for about ...
A: My knee-jerk reaction is that your daughter may have a visual problem relating to depth-perception / ...
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| 4 y/o LOVES gymnastic but struggles to keep up.. | 5/17/2008 |
Q: My 4 and 1/2 year old started gymnastics when she was 2. She was a preemie and at age 2 she lacked ...
A: If a race horse is put in a stall and not allowed to run its muscles will atrophy and eventually it ...
|
| handstands | 5/13/2008 |
Q: My daughter goes to gymnastics 2 times a week and has been doing handstands for 2 years and yet her ...
A: This sounds like a conditioning problem. I would suggest that your daughter increase the strength ...
|
| spot-a-phoebia | 5/6/2008 |
Q: I am currently doing floor gymnastics and working on things like back handsprang, back walk over, ...
A: This one sentence you wrote tells me all I need to know about your problem. "I just can't do things ...
|
| level 3 or wait? | 4/25/2008 |
Q: I have just scrolled though many of your answers to past questions and very much appreciated your ...
A: My personal opinion is to keep her training for Level 4. I think the progression of skills and ...
|
| roundoff backhandspring | 4/24/2008 |
Q: heey rick... whats up? well.. i just learned my ro back handspring sort of.. but i have sum ...
A: Hey Patrick, You wrote, "1.- when u finish the round off.. u should finish facinf forward or facing ...
|
| numbers of gymnasts per level in country | 4/21/2008 |
Q: Is a pie chart available that shows how many gymnasts are registered in each level in the U.S.A. ? ...
A: Usag used to have an actual pie chart in its "Media Statistics" area online. I could not find a ...
|
| 5 year old preteam | 4/20/2008 |
Q: My daughter started recreational gymnastics about 4 months ago, after 2 months at one gym we ...
A: You wrote, "The coach approched us yesterday about having her be on an invitaional preteam, said she ...
|
| Press handstand | 4/20/2008 |
Q: I had asked a few months ago for advice on how to do the press to handstand (thank you for the ...
A: You wrote, "Do you have any drills and conditioning for these muscle groups or any others I may be ...
|
| wrist shifts | 4/19/2008 |
Q: My daughter is trying to learn both her stride circle and her front hip circle. Her coach says she ...
A: You wrote, "My daughter is trying to learn both her stride circle and her front hip circle. Her ...
|
| RRIIIIPPP! | 4/18/2008 |
Q: I'm only in level four gymnastics, but i recently (TWO DAYS AGO!) got a nasty rip on my right hand, ...
A: Here is a copy of an article I wrote a little while ago that might help. Regards, Coach Rik ...
|
| What gymnastics level is my daughter? | 4/18/2008 |
Q: I am the mom of a 10-year old gymnast. She competed at level 4 in 2005. We then moved overseas, ...
A: Based on the skills you have described, if performed well, I would say your daughter is somewhere ...
|
| Gymnastic Summer Camps | 4/16/2008 |
Q: We live in Southern California and have been looking for a gymnastics summer camp for my 6 year old ...
A: Unfortunately, the only suggestion I can think of is to call other gymnastics facilities in the area ...
|
| womens level 7 | 4/15/2008 |
Q: What are the skills needed for the 4 events for womens level 7 routines? What skills may they choose ...
A: You wrote, "What are the skills needed for the 4 events for women's level 7 routines?" Please go to ...
|
| Working on the splits | 4/15/2008 |
Q: My daughter is almost five, and she has begun working on her level 4 routines. Her coaches have ...
A: You wrote, "My daughter is almost five, and she has begun working on her level 4 routines. Her ...
|
| USA vs. AAU Gymnastics | 4/14/2008 |
Q: What is the difference between the two gymnastics organizations?
A: AAU is actually the original governing body for the sport of gymnastics. I believe it was in the ...
|
| doing gymnastic at 21 | 4/7/2008 |
Q: I am female, 21 years old. I did gymastics from the time I was 8-16, dance from 5-18 and martial ...
A: Here is one club listed in Ithaca: Fingerlakes Gymnastics Academy 215 Commercial Avenue ...
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| is elite possible or am i too old? | 4/7/2008 |
Q: I am 16 and i would love to seriously compete in gymnastics but the only training I have ever really ...
A: Nothing is impossible to those who believe, those who have conviction, and those who are committed ...
|
| back handspring | 4/6/2008 |
Q: i need to know if i do a backwalk over fast enough is it a backhand spring if not i need tips on how ...
A: You wrote, "i need to know if i do a backwalk over fast enough is it a backhand spring if not i need ...
|
| Back Handspring on Beam | 4/5/2008 |
Q: My daughter is in her first season of Level 7 and has gone back and forth on being able to do her ...
A: Fear and Desire are the two-sides of a coin that equals Success. When the coin is flipped in the ...
|
| Compulsory Routines | 4/3/2008 |
Q: Are the USAG compulsory routines changing next year? I've heard they are....I've heard they're not ...
A: You wrote, "Are the USAG compulsory routines changing next year? I've heard they are....I've heard ...
|
| overcoming fear after injury | 4/1/2008 |
Q: My daughter was injured at age 6 as she trained for level 5 while competing level 4. She broke her ...
A: I am more than a little disappointed in the, "her coaches just seem impatient with her fears and say ...
|
| Mill Circles | 3/31/2008 |
Q: I have a daughter who is a level 4 and there is a mill circle/stride circle in the bar routine. She ...
A: I am going to use the format of your letter to respond by placing brackets around my answers. I ...
|
| New Gymnastics Coach Looking for Help! | 3/25/2008 |
Q: I'm 23 years old and a former gymnast (from the ages of 5-16 or so) and I just took a job as a ...
A: There are several different sites from which you can get great information to help you plan a ...
|
| Sport Aerobic Gymnastics | 3/25/2008 |
Q: My daughter age 8 has been doing recreational artistic gymnastics for 2 years. Her coaches want her ...
A: You wrote, "How would you compare Sportaerobics vs. artistic gymnastics, and do you have any advice ...
|
| level 7 layout dismount from bars - timing & height | 3/25/2008 |
Q: I have been in level 7 for over a year and can do everything except the layout dismount from the ...
A: You wrote, "Any ideas for how I can retrain myself on this?" No, but I do have some ideas your ...
|
| point deductions | 3/19/2008 |
Q: Can you tell me what the deductions are for level 6 on all events or tell me where I can get such a ...
A: The complete list of routines and deductions is available in the USAG Womens Compulsory manual. You ...
|
| half pirouette | 3/19/2008 |
Q: I am a level 8 gymnast and my state meet is in 2 weeks. I am having a hard time kipping out of the ...
A: Could you start your pirouette a bit earlier so you actually finished the turn with your shoulders, ...
|
| "Intermediate" | 3/15/2008 |
Q: I am 12 years old and in "Intermediate" classes..... It is with a bunch of kids like, 7-9 years old. ...
A: It is certainly not uncommon. Quit? Why? Do you enjoy the class? Is there another Intermediate ...
|
| Cast Handstand Conditioning | 3/14/2008 |
Q: I have a level 6 gymnast who will be moving up to level 7 in the summer. I know a cast handstand is ...
A: Well, as a coach, I would agree that a press handstand is a good overall indicator of adequate ...
|
| facility wanted!!! | 3/11/2008 |
Q: I am a gymnastics mom from Illinois about 20 miles from St Louis. We have only 2 gymnastics ...
A: My suggestion would be to place a classified ad online at USA Gymnastics. Describe essentially what ...
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| How to start career; scholarships; club fees | 3/10/2008 |
Q: I am writing an article about USA gymnastics. I would like to ask you some questions. How do girls ...
A: You wrote, "How do girls start their career ?" Many gymnasts get their start after seeing a ...
|
| shoot thru | 3/8/2008 |
Q: When my daughter does her shoot thru on bars the side of her foot always touches the bar as it comes ...
A: I would guess not more than a tenth or two because she completes the skill. The key to this skill ...
|
| gym change | 3/7/2008 |
Q: ..I need a bit of advice regarding my 6 year old level 3 gymnast. She is currently at a gym that ...
A: "My daughter has recently told me she wants to go to a "more strict" gym and that she wants to ...
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| Level 4 | 3/4/2008 |
Q: I'm 14 years old and a level 3 gymnast I started when I was thirteen and I moved to the third level ...
A: Cirque Du Soleil is a fabulous goal. I am sure you understand it will require a great deal of hard ...
|
| Gymnastics-middle school | 3/2/2008 |
Q: Do you know where I can get a list what is needed in the middle school gymnastics routines? We have ...
A: I do not know the specific answer to your question, however, in my experience I have seen many high ...
|
| Should I be concerned? | 2/26/2008 |
Q: My kids are on Lv 4 and doing well. Their team mates are doing well also. However, the other ...
A: Based on your description, I believe I might be concerned if I were in your position. As a coach, I ...
|
| strength while injured | 2/25/2008 |
Q: I am a 15 yr old level 5 gymnast, and I recently had surgery on my foot. The doctor told me that it ...
A: I will respond to your question, but with one condition; you must get approval from your doctor and ...
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| Level 4 girls | 2/24/2008 |
Q: My daughter is in level 4, her birthday is 3-6-00. The past two meet we went to she was moved up to ...
A: Invitationals usually have several hundred participants. To maintain a USAG sanction and to keep ...
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| Level 4 girls | 2/24/2008 |
Q: My daughter is in level 4, her birthday is 3-6-00. The past two meet we went to she was moved up to ...
A: According to Rules & Policies, found at: ...
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| Going Up Levels Fast | 2/23/2008 |
Q: Okay, so I have this friend who is a level five and started only a year ago. I'd like to advance as ...
A: C'mon, you gotta know I am not going to make any suggestions that would have you "cutting corners," ...
|
| Switch Leap | 2/23/2008 |
Q: Do you have any tips for increasing the split in switch leaps? I pretty much have my splits, but I ...
A: I am betting you have your splits when you are sitting on the floor and the weight of your body is ...
|
| Moving to the "next level" | 2/21/2008 |
Q: At what point do you know it's time to switch your child to a more serious competitive gym vs the ...
A: You wrote, "At what point do you know it's time to switch your child to a more serious competitive ...
|
| deductions from the coach | 2/21/2008 |
Q: I read somewhere that only 2 coaches were allowed to be in the competing area and if more there is a ...
A: What level of competition are you talking about? I can tell you that at the JO level I have seen ...
|
| Level 7 | 2/19/2008 |
Q: I am preparing to move up to level 7 this coming year, and I have a few questions about my routines. ...
A: The requirements for a Level 7 bar routine are outlined at: ...
|
| not sure just feel at our wits end | 2/12/2008 |
Q: We have an elite program in the state of Ga. We have the only jr. elite gymnast. We have only 8 ...
A: I believe your real problem may be exposure. You either need a very strong, well-populated ...
|
| level 7 beam | 2/10/2008 |
Q: My name is Julia, and I will be going to a level 7 meet for the first time. I easily passed level 6 ...
A: You wrote, "First, I want to know how much points will be taken off for not having a flight ...
|
| serious gymnastics for my daughter | 2/8/2008 |
Q: . My name is Daniela Spector. I have a 14 year old daughter that has been doing gymnastics at a ...
A: I live near Orlando, Florida so I don't know much about individual gymnastics clubs in New York. In ...
|
| roundoff back handspring | 2/8/2008 |
Q: i can do a round off and i can do a back handspring but when i do them together i always take a ...
A: [DO NOT PRACTICE THIS DRILL unless you are being directly supervised and spotted by a qualified ...
|
| compulsory vault | 2/4/2008 |
Q: I am a compulsory vault coach in Tennessee. I do a drill where the kids vault, they block from the ...
A: You wrote, "I am a compulsory vault coach in Tennessee. I do a drill where the kids vault, they ...
|
| Coach Troubles | 2/3/2008 |
Q: Feeney. I apologize in advance because I know this is going to be a long one. First off, my name ...
A: You wrote, "When I came back home, my coach was upset that I had hurt myself." I'd say that is a ...
|
| Am I to old??? and What level??? | 2/1/2008 |
Q: My name is Caitlin and I just turned 15. I did gymnastics when I was 4-5 and for a few months when I ...
A: I can give you some idea of exercises to practice at home, but first, you need to get an evaluation ...
|
| How to approach an issue with a coach | 2/1/2008 |
Q: My daughters go to a very well respected gym in our state. It has the bonus of being very close to ...
A: What your parents couldn't afford to buy any vowels or guess any additional consonants for your ...
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| Am I to old??? and What level??? | 1/31/2008 |
Q: My name is Caitlin and I just turned 15. I did gymnastics when I was 4-5 and for a few months when I ...
A: It sounds like you are well on your way as far as tumbling and floor exercise goes, especially with ...
|
| Moving up the levels? | 1/27/2008 |
Q: Rik, Is it better to stay at the lower levels in order to score well at meets or is it better to ...
A: This very situation is why they created Mother's Day and Father's Day, just to give you a crummy ...
|
| Good AA score? | 1/27/2008 |
Q: Rik, Can you tell me what is considered a "good" all-around score? I have been under the ...
A: Part of overall mastery comes from experience. I would, at the every least, have the gymnast ...
|
| Good AA score? | 1/27/2008 |
Q: Rik, Can you tell me what is considered a "good" all-around score? I have been under the ...
A: I always wanted my gymnasts to score a minimum of a 36.00 in the All Around before moving to the ...
|
| Pre ompetitive Gymnastics | 1/27/2008 |
Q: My daughter started advanced recreational gymnast is September and absolutely loves the sport and is ...
A: I don't know what the Canadian system of progressions and team levels are like but I can tell you ...
|
| level 8 floor routine requirements | 1/23/2008 |
Q: can you tell me where to find a list of the skills that are "A", "B" and "C"
A: You wrote, "can you tell me where to find a list of the skills that are "A", "B" and "C"." You can ...
|
| Front and back handsprings | 1/19/2008 |
Q: My daughter is working on her round-off two backhandsprings and front handspring for her level 5 ...
A: I think it may be a combination of weak abdominals and hip flexor muscles (for snapping over ...
|
| Mean Coaches | 1/15/2008 |
Q: My daughter is a level 4/5 and she comes out of practice in tears at times. The coaches can be ...
A: Personally, I find, and have learned through experience to coach through positive direction rather ...
|
| Competitive Gymnastics | 1/15/2008 |
Q: My daughter has been doing gymnastics since a toddler and was invited to become a member of the ...
A: While that could be troublesome at the higher levels, where a regional or national level meet may ...
|
| Mean Coaches | 1/14/2008 |
Q: My daughter is a level 4/5 and she comes out of practice in tears at times. The coaches can be ...
A: " Your predicament, and I do mean predicament, is certainly not unheard of in the sport of ...
|
| Gymnastics Age | 1/8/2008 |
Q: Feeney, I have a question about the age requirements for the women's JO Olympic program. I am ...
A: I talked with the State Director for USAG here in Florida and he told me he knows of gymnasts in ...
|
| straight legs | 1/6/2008 |
Q: i have a two part question, my daughter is a 7th grader going from a level 5 park & rec team to high ...
A: Desiree, (Bars) My sincere belief is your daughter pulls her legs up in a "fetal" or tucked ...
|
| Tuck-Ons | 1/4/2008 |
Q: I am a level 4 gymnast and cannot do a tuck-on on bars or a front tuck dismount on beam, with my ...
A: You reached Coach Rik, not "Dear Pat." Even though I am not Pat, I will attempt to answer what I ...
|
| How do I know when I'm ready for competitive? | 12/18/2007 |
Q: I'm thirteen years old and I just started advanced recreational gymnastics this year but am ...
A: Danielle, Have you made the team yet? Regarding your handstand, you might want to practice kicking ...
|
| gifts | 12/18/2007 |
Q: Any good ideas on what to give to gymnastic coaches during the holidays?
A: You wrote, "Any good ideas on what to give to gymnastic coaches during the holidays?" Definitely ...
|
| How do I know when I'm ready for competitive? | 12/18/2007 |
Q: I'm thirteen years old and I just started advanced recreational gymnastics this year but am ...
A: Usually, when a person asks this question, it is a sign that they are ready to take the plunge into ...
|
| Western Nationals | 12/17/2007 |
Q: Do you know where the Level 9 Western Nationals are going to be in 2008
A: 5/8/2008 - 5/11/2008 Western Championships Hyland Performance Arena Lindenwood University St. ...
|
| What age to worry about a good coach? | 12/14/2007 |
Q: At what age should I be worried about choosing the right coach for my daughter (now 2). We have a ...
A: You wrote, "At what age should I be worried about choosing the right coach for my daughter (now 2)." ...
|
| Level 7 | 12/12/2007 |
Q: My daughter is a level 7 gymnast who has excelled rather quickly through Level 4-6 (within 2 ...
A: "We are going back through the progressions." Is that the royal "We?" If your coach is taking her ...
|
| Level 7 | 12/11/2007 |
Q: My daughter is a level 7 gymnast who has excelled rather quickly through Level 4-6 (within 2 ...
A: I guess the bottom line is whether this is a fear, emotional / physical control, or technical issue; ...
|
| Level 7 | 12/11/2007 |
Q: My daughter is a level 7 gymnast who has excelled rather quickly through Level 4-6 (within 2 ...
A: First, the past does not always equal the future, especially if like a trip to DisneyWorld you try ...
|
| Scoring gymnastics on a high school level | 12/10/2007 |
Q: My daughter has been involved in gymnastics on a recreational level for about 5 years. Last year ...
A: I believe the link below will take you to a site that will explain in some depth the rules and ...
|
| Top 4 in meets? | 12/6/2007 |
Q: Can you explain the meaning of the "Top 4 gymnasts count only" in a meet. My understanding is that ...
A: Sorry for the delay in answering your question. I have been recovering from a bit of food poisoning ...
|
| carpet cleaners | 12/4/2007 |
Q: im a level 7 gymnast from australia,i noticed that you reccomended carpet cleaners to other people. ...
A: Sorry for the delay in answering your question. I have been recovering from a bit of food poisoning ...
|
| too old? | 12/2/2007 |
Q: I'm interested in starting gymnastics classes, but I'm 19 and have never had any experience in this ...
A: I don't know the specifics of gymnastics in Canterbury, but here in the States I would recommend you ...
|
| Different group levels... | 11/30/2007 |
Q: I often see different letters for groups at gymnastic meets. What do they mean? A, AA, B, BB, etc.
A: The most common abbreviations used at meets are: A = Athlete (?) (I haven't seen this one.) The "A" ...
|
| Getting back into gymnastics... | 11/21/2007 |
Q: I'm Cindy and I'm 11 years old. I recently started gymnastics one year ago around this time and I ...
A: I do believe you will need some time to catch up to where you were when you were forced to drop gym ...
|
| press handstand | 11/19/2007 |
Q: My name is Yolanda and I am trying to do a straddle press handstand and I can't seem to be able to ...
A: You wrote, "I am trying to do a straddle press handstand and I can't seem to be able to do this ...
|
| gymnastic question | 11/13/2007 |
Q: My oldest daughter(8 yrs. old) has been in gymnastics for several years. (Like 4). She competed in ...
A: You wrote, "Can you give me a site to look at or some info about what levels are and what it takes ...
|
| tuck vs layout flyaway | 11/13/2007 |
Q: My daughter has struggled with flyaways since she started her level 6 season. We are now a level 7 ...
A: My preference as a coach is to teach the layout flyaway as it has a direct correlation to more ...
|
| 10 year old level 7 daughter | 11/13/2007 |
Q: My 10 yr old daughter is a Level 7 gymnast who is considering retiring. She says she is not ...
A: This is absolutely where being a parent is tough. There is no right decision you can make, this is a ...
|
| is this right? | 11/13/2007 |
Q: I was in gymnastics for 3 years. I started in the low levels but then moved up to competition level, ...
A: "Would it be worth it to stay in? Did i do the right thing? I really enjoyed gymnastics....." As ...
|
| scores | 11/11/2007 |
Q: COuld you tell me what score you need to get to qualify for sectionals and states in all levels 3-9? ...
A: I can give you some guidelines put forth by USA Gymnastics, which can be found at: ...
|
| gymnastics question | 11/6/2007 |
Q: Where can I find details outlining what the judges look for in the Level 4 routines? My daughter is ...
A: For the specifics on all the compulsory routines you can go to: http://usagym.sportgraphics.biz/ ...
|
| Round-off | 11/6/2007 |
Q: I'm currently learning how to do round-off, can you tell me the correct steps and tips for me to do ...
A: Lisa, The simple steps to a good round off are: 1) You need a rock-solid handstand. Do 5,212 ...
|
| Round-off | 11/6/2007 |
Q: I'm currently learning how to do round-off, can you tell me the correct steps and tips for me to do ...
A: As it happens, I have an excerpt from my book which is all about round offs, which you can download ...
|
| how to do a backwards walkover | 11/5/2007 |
Q: i go 2 a gymnastics at monkton stadium in Newcastle and I'm competing in a competition in December ...
A: I need more information. Is this a back walkover on floor or beam? Have you ever done it before? ...
|
| Flexibility | 11/2/2007 |
Q: how can i become flexible and strong?
A: My, my Cherokee, Such a simple question. Simply send $5,212 by money order directly to me and I ...
|
| how to teach oneself a back handspring | 11/2/2007 |
Q: I am wondering how I can instruct someone to spot me and tell them what to look for, and what I must ...
A: I wrote the book, Back Handsprings: The Secret Techniques, and do you know the number one thing I ...
|
| Front Handspring Step Out | 11/1/2007 |
Q: I am a level 6 gymnast, and I am having a lot of trouble on my front handspring step out. I have a ...
A: This will be difficult because I have no idea what your handspring truly looks like. I can tell you ...
|
| L5 Bars | 11/1/2007 |
Q: My daughter is having trouble connecting her kip to the front hip circle in the L5 bar routine. I ...
A: My impression from your description of the kip to front hip circle is that your daughter is not ...
|
| Jewelery/pierced earrings during competitions | 10/29/2007 |
Q: My 8 yr. old is starting this season at Level 4/hoping to get to Level 5 by spring...Are you allowed ...
A: You wrote, "Are you allowed to wear earrings during competitions?" According to USA Gymnastics ...
|
| Progress | 10/29/2007 |
Q: Feeney, Hello, my name is Cherokee and i am 15.I've never been to a gym before but i taught myself ...
A: I believe you may need to work on some bridge kick over drills that may be done with panel mats, ...
|
| Gymnastics | 10/27/2007 |
Q: Hey there, My daughter is on a Competition Gymnastics team. Sh eis Level One. I was wanting to ...
A: You wrote, "I was wanting to know where I could find a list of all the skills required for each ...
|
| straddle-press to handstand | 10/27/2007 |
Q: Please help me. I want to learn straddle press to handstand for my mount on beam. Do you have to be ...
A: You wrote, "Please help me. I want to learn straddle press to handstand for my mount on beam. Do you ...
|
| Levels | 10/25/2007 |
Q: Women's artistic gymnastics individuals: How long is a gymnastics level? Is it possible to do more ...
A: You asked, "How long is a gymnastics level?" The JO or Junior Olympic program is a system of ...
|
| Old Compulsory music | 10/17/2007 |
Q: I have been trying to find the old level 5, 6 and 7 compulsory floor music from 1993..Do you know of ...
A: Your best bet is to get out the Yellow Pages and call all the gymnastics clubs in your area. There ...
|
| cast | 10/16/2007 |
Q: my daughter has very weak casts on bars. There's not a lot of leg movement and her hips barely ...
A: My impression is your daughter may not be strong enough to lean far enough forward to do an ...
|
| tucks | 10/16/2007 |
Q: Hey my questions are on round off back tucks as well as standing..i just can not do it.. i have ...
A: To get a back tuck you must first change your fear into overwhelming desire. The tone of you letter ...
|
| Cast Handstand | 10/10/2007 |
Q: My daughter 8 and is beginning her second year at Level 5. She is scoring in the 37s but her gym ...
A: You wrote, "She has a split to cast handstand no problem, but has some sort of block when it comes ...
|
| Starting gymnastics at the age 22??? | 10/9/2007 |
Q: I started gymnastics when I was a 6 year old girl. But after a while (by the time I was 10 years ...
A: Pilates and group stretch may be sufficient for the flexibility aspect of your goal, but you still ...
|
| Meet Question | 10/9/2007 |
Q: I have a level 4 gymnast and at the first meet I noticed her coach 'reshuffling' the order of the ...
A: You wrote, "Is there typically any rhyme or reason to the order which the girls compete each event ...
|
| Starting gymnastics at the age 22??? | 10/9/2007 |
Q: I started gymnastics when I was a 6 year old girl. But after a while (by the time I was 10 years ...
A: Yes, you can start gymnastics again at age 22. Will it be easy? No. To prepare, I suggest you ...
|
| learning disability | 10/5/2007 |
Q: My daughter who is a first grader this year was diagnosed with a learning disability last spring. ...
A: To be perfectly honest, from your description of your child's abilities and potential difficulties, ...
|
| Camps in the Midwest | 10/4/2007 |
Q: I'm wondering if you could recommend a camp in our area Madison,WI. When I say our area I know I ...
A: No, I do not have any personal knowledge of any camps near Madison, Wisconsin. Going to camp can be ...
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| Judges | 10/1/2007 |
Q: I don't know if you can help me with the answer to this question or not but I cannot find a direct ...
A: The only other thing I can suggest is to contact your State Director and get the information ...
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| Judges | 10/1/2007 |
Q: I don't know if you can help me with the answer to this question or not but I cannot find a direct ...
A: I don't know what SOA is, but I think you might mean SAC, which is the State Administrative ...
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| Safety and Health regulation | 9/28/2007 |
Q: I am a mother of 11 year old gymnast. I have some concerns about our gymnastic center. I have some ...
A: Unfortunately, I can't see or make an evaluation on the gym through an e-mail forum. The coach to ...
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| What owners/coaches look for in selecting for Pre-Team | 9/27/2007 |
Q: I have twins in the same recreational class ( consistently 1 class a week for 1 year & just begun 2 ...
A: You wrote "What do coaches look for in up & coming girls for the PRE-team? What makes a coach take ...
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| Jr. Olympics | 9/26/2007 |
Q: Can you please tell me when and where the Jr. Olympics are held? Also, how does a gymnast qualify? ...
A: You wrote, "Can you please tell me when and where the Jr. Olympics are held? Also, how does a ...
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| Coaching/Changing Gyms | 9/21/2007 |
Q: Recently, our head and co-head coaches left due to an administration problem. 90% of the team ...
A: ). Your wrote, "Recently, our head and co-head coaches left due to an administration problem." ...
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| Evaluating a "New" Gym | 9/20/2007 |
Q: I know when evaluating a gym, one of the indicators of a "good" gym is the current and recent number ...
A: You wrote, " I know when evaluating a gym, one of the indicators of a "good" gym is the current and ...
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| Level 4 | 9/14/2007 |
Q: We are stuck between a rock and a hard place. My daughter has been in GIJO level 4. She started ...
A: Unfortunately, I need just a bit more information to be of any help. Your wrote: "We are stuck ...
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| height related to gymnastics | 9/12/2007 |
Q: My daughter, a level 8 gymnast, is 12 and already 5'5". As a level 7, at 5'1", she received mostly ...
A: Four-inches is quite a growth spurt between Level 7 and Level 8 and certainly will require ...
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| Better to do well at level or advance to next | 9/9/2007 |
Q: My daughter is 8 and did AAU 4 last spring and did fine OK(35.15 at states) and is now doing USA 4 ...
A: My "gut" feeling is that success breeds success. Your gut or intuition seems to agree with me as you ...
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| First-time compulsary coach | 9/9/2007 |
Q: This is my first year coaching women's gymnastics at the team level. I was a gymnast since I was ...
A: Whew! This could take a few minutes. Give me a day or two to put together a list and I will send it ...
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| hiring coaches | 9/6/2007 |
Q: I am in the process of building a brand new gymnastics facility. I need some advice on what is the ...
A: Sorry for the dealy, but I never got your question. I think my spam filter may have eaten it. ...
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| Press Handstand | 9/4/2007 |
Q: I am a level 7 gymnast who is 5'6" and 110lbs(dont know if that matters). I have been trying to get ...
A: It has been my contention for some time that the ability to do a press handstand from a ...
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| Elbow Injury | 9/3/2007 |
Q: I am 24 and have been training 2x2hours/week for 2 years in a adult program. About 6 weeks ago I was ...
A: Is it the area just above the elbow or just below the elbow that "hurts?" The way you describe the ...
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| Shouder excersizes | 9/1/2007 |
Q: i am a level 7 gymnast. I was wondering if you have any exercises that would help me in getting a ...
A: You wrote, "I was wondering if you have any exercises that would help me in getting a better back ...
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| Cartwheel Cartwheel on Beam | 8/31/2007 |
Q: I am a level 7 gymnast attempting to do a cartwheel cartwheel on beam. I have been working on it for ...
A: I believe you need to work on what is called a front-side-back cartwheel as a basic skill before you ...
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| taping shins | 8/30/2007 |
Q: How do you tape your shins if you have shin splints? I also play soccer and I am wondering if ...
A: When I took a "trainer's course" at Temple University they taught us to tape shin splints by ...
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| Kip techniques | 8/30/2007 |
Q: My daughter is having trouble mastering her kip. Her coach is allowing her to start her glide with ...
A: You're welcome. "Can you recommend the hip flexor and abdominal strenth exercises she should try?" ...
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| tops | 8/29/2007 |
Q: My daughter has been recommended into a TOPS program. Is this an honor? I am not sure we can commit ...
A: TOPS is definitely a program you want your child to be in if you are convinced she has extraordinary ...
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| back handsprings | 8/28/2007 |
Q: I got my backhandspring a few months ago when it became a requirement for my varsity squad. ...
A: If I understand what you mean by "undercut" then I would say you need to work on more power out of ...
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| tops | 8/27/2007 |
Q: My daughter has been recommended into a TOPS program. Is this an honor? I am not sure we can commit ...
A: You wrote, "I am not sure we can commit to the extra training time which would be in addition to her ...
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| Level 4 | 8/27/2007 |
Q: I have been hearing mixed feelings about level 4. First, is it normal for a child to repeat Level 4 ...
A: It is not abnormal to stay in Level 4 for more than one season. At times I feel like some coaches ...
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| ankle and wrist injuries | 8/27/2007 |
Q: I have a 9yr old daughter in Level 5 USAG with ankle and wrist injurues. She suffered what we ...
A: Personally, I had to wrap my wrists with foam and ace bandages to even be able to tumble. Today ...
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| Is TeamGym waste of time? | 8/14/2007 |
Q: I have questions regarding my 7 year old daughter. She has been taking gymnastics class at a local ...
A: TeamGym must be a program that is specific to your club or area of the country. I have not heard of ...
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| Religious observance and meets | 8/8/2007 |
Q: My 7 yr. old daughter just completed Level 4 (or so we think). WE are Jewish and Sabbath observers, ...
A: Unfortunately, when planning a meet there are a million and one needs that parents would like ...
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| cross training/ coaches pressure | 8/8/2007 |
Q: My daughter is a 13 year old who will be competing at L8. She has always loved the sport and loves ...
A: According to you, your daughter states, "She says she will never quit and would always choose the ...
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| gymnastics | 8/7/2007 |
Q: I am not in a gymnastics class, I have tought myself to do a kartwheel, one-handed kartwheel, ...
A: Beyond a shadow of a doubt, it is essential for you to get enrolled in a gymnastics program. If you ...
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| flexibility | 8/5/2007 |
Q: I am the Mother of a 7 year old girl that is level two gymnastics with extraordinary upper body ...
A: My suggestion is that you have her looked at by an orthopaedic doctor with a background in sports ...
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| KIP | 8/5/2007 |
Q: My daughter is on level 4 gymanstics and is trying to get her kip. She has all other level 5 ...
A: A kip certainly can be a frustrating element to learn. I can give you a few tips, but please do not ...
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| round-off tuck | 8/4/2007 |
Q: i have been working on my round-off tuck for about a year now. the first time i ever landed it, it ...
A: It sounds like you may have had a mild to moderate ankle sprain from either twisting your ankle ...
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| What is TOPS? | 8/4/2007 |
Q: I've just recently heard about TOPS, but I haven't been able to find out much about it. I have a 7 ...
A: Below is a rerun of a former answer to another mom. "For the average child, I would advise spending ...
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| fear of backhandspring on beam | 8/1/2007 |
Q: I found an answer from your expert Elle about a track that can be sent to me by email that my 14 ...
A: You wrote, "I found an answer from your expert Elle about a track that can be sent to me by email ...
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| Cheerleading | 7/31/2007 |
Q: I have always wanted to be better at handsprings. I want to learn how to do a handspring in the ...
A: A back handspring is not a skill with attributes like "short learning curve." And, everything you ...
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| level 4 | 7/25/2007 |
Q: My dd wants to compete level 4. I have been told 2 totally different things by different coaches. ...
A: First, AAU and USAIGC are separate entities. Some states do not have a large AAU following, and ...
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| Levers & Pullovers | 7/24/2007 |
Q: My daughters coach told the girls they needed to work on their lever ups. She can lift her self up ...
A: In much of the gymnastics world, that skill is known as a press handstand - in this case from a ...
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| level 4 | 7/23/2007 |
Q: My dd wants to compete level 4. I have been told 2 totally different things by different coaches. ...
A: Unfortunately, I can't see your daughter's skills, so it is virtually impossible for me to know or ...
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| gymnast who misses the sport | 7/23/2007 |
Q: i dont know if you can help me with this problem but i am kind of desperate. i started gymnastics ...
A: Your goal is certainly not impossible, but surely very difficult. You have tasted the freedom of ...
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| Levers & Pullovers | 7/22/2007 |
Q: My daughters coach told the girls they needed to work on their lever ups. She can lift her self up ...
A: I am not sure what skill you are describing. A lever, as I would describe it is when the gymnast is ...
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| "Right" age for each level? | 7/22/2007 |
Q: Before I ask, I know that every gymnast and every situation is different. I'm looking for ...
A: One year per level to eventually make the Olympic team is a fantasy many would wish true - but I ...
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| issue w/ level 2 asst. coach | 7/19/2007 |
Q: My daughter is fairly new to pre-team gymnastics, started as level 1 last March at 5 years old with ...
A: There are so many aspects to the situation, I may not respond in chronological order. First of all, ...
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| hip flexor muscles | 7/18/2007 |
Q: My daughter is a level 4 gymnast, to compete her first time in September. She is 8 years old, and ...
A: You wrote, "she tends to stand with her butt and belly out." You may need to get a professional ...
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| Skills Rating | 7/18/2007 |
Q: My daughter will be competing optionals this fall. She has been working on a front handspring front ...
A: There may be such a document out there, somewhere, but its location does not immediately come to ...
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| TOPS | 7/16/2007 |
Q: I had asked a question regarding TOPS gymnasts being Elite gymnasts. So basically if your daughter ...
A: I don't recall ever saying that a child who is not in the TOPS program can forget about making the ...
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| Kip | 7/16/2007 |
Q: How can I do one? I am SO close on the high bar can never make it up there!
A: Your question is too vague. Please be more specific. It would take nearly a whole book to relate how ...
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| Skill levels | 7/14/2007 |
Q: My 6 year old daughter is at a local gym and at the bottom of the team pathway working on the basic ...
A: You wrote, "is there somewhere that we could see video or get more of a detailed explanation of the ...
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| roundoff backhandspring backtuck | 7/12/2007 |
Q: I can do really good backtucks its just that i'm so scared to do it. I've tried private lessons, ...
A: Sorry, but my Disney premium pass is expired so the magic wand is out of juice. Besides, as in most ...
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| Level 8 Bars | 7/4/2007 |
Q: I'm planning on being a level 8 gymnast this coming fall,and I need some help with my uneven bars. ...
A: I can give you a few quick answers to your questions, but they really sound like questions you ...
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| Back tuck | 7/3/2007 |
Q: I'm taking a break from gymnastics for the summer so my parents bought a trampoline for me to ...
A: You wrote, "I really want to learn my back tuck and I know mostly how to do it, but every time I get ...
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| stunnts of gymnastics | 7/3/2007 |
Q: what are the different kinds or stunts of gymnastics
A: Unfortunately, a listing of all the "stunts" or "skills" in the sport of gymnastics would fill a ...
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| Level 6 | 7/1/2007 |
Q: I am 12 years old and currently a level 5, hoping to move up to level six. To determind the new ...
A: In this forum the first question is free. Each additional question will cost you $100 and be billed ...
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| bars clinic | 6/29/2007 |
Q: My daughter has a chance to go to a bars clinic. (meaning i can afford it, we have the available ...
A: I should have been more clear - a pit is a necessity in this age of gymnastics (in my humble ...
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| yurchenko | 6/29/2007 |
Q: I'm 16 years old and I've been in gymnastics since I was four. Right now I am competing high school ...
A: First, understand this, "It is not what you do but how you do it that counts." My coach drilled that ...
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| MEETS | 6/22/2007 |
Q: My daughters meet director only belives in her team (L5)competing 3 meets a season, plus State. ...
A: You wrote, "Can you enter a gymnast into a local meet without the whole team going or is that not ...
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| Tiger Paws | 6/20/2007 |
Q: Do you know where I can buy Tiger paws (for sore wrist) except on the web? I live in Cape Cod, MA. ...
A: I do not know of any regular or sporting goods store that carries wrist supports like Tiger Paws. ...
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| TOPS | 6/19/2007 |
Q: My daughter's gym does not participate in the TOPS program. Is it possible for me to help her with ...
A: I believe you can find all the answers you are looking for at the TOPS site at: ...
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| Elite gymnast to Olympics | 6/18/2007 |
Q: So is it possible for a mainstream gymnast to reach the Olympics or is it that they have a better ...
A: Only "Elite" gymnasts can qualify for the Olympic team. A Level 7 or 8 gymnast couldn't just say, "I ...
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| back walk over | 6/17/2007 |
Q: ... first i will tell you what i can do .. i can do a back bend .. splits all the way and ...
A: Apologies, I have been away at the USAG Region 8 Gymnastics Congress in Atlanta. This site was ...
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| Gymnastics Levels? | 6/16/2007 |
Q: I would like to know about the levels in gymnastics and have lots of questions. I know there is ...
A: Apologies, I have been away at the USAG Region 8 Gymnastics Congress in Atlanta. This site was ...
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| Gymnastic Level 4 | 6/14/2007 |
Q: I had asked a question previously about my daughter and I am responding to some questions that you ...
A: Apologies, I have been away at the USAG Region 8 Gymnastics Congress in Atlanta. This site was ...
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| Level 4 | 6/12/2007 |
Q: Is it normal in the gymnastic industry, for coaches to pick and choose the gymnasts that they want ...
A: You asked, "Is it normal in the gymnastic industry, for coaches to pick and choose the gymnasts that ...
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| ankles | 6/11/2007 |
Q: I am a level 6 gymnast. I started gymnastics a year and a half ago.I am having some trouble.. First ...
A: Regarding your flyaway, the key is in developing a strong and technically correct tap swing. Talk to ...
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| gymnastics | 6/6/2007 |
Q: As being a gymnast i am lacking on strength and flexibility. could you please write a srength and ...
A: You can work your flexibility skills every day. The key to stretching for flexibility is to do it ...
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| moving from level 6 to level 7 | 6/6/2007 |
Q: How common is it to compete level 6 (in the fall) and then move directly to level 7 in ...
A: It is certainly not uncommon for a gymnast who is talented to compete Level 6 in the Fall and then ...
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| gymnastics | 6/5/2007 |
Q: As being a gymnast i am lacking on strength and flexibility. could you please write a srength and ...
A: There are three basic splits, the right, the left, and the middle split. The middle split may be ...
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| preschool certification | 6/2/2007 |
Q: I asked you a question a month or so and you gave me some great advice, thank you. Per your advice ...
A: Congratulations on your desire to become a preschool gym teacher. I do believe one definite area of ...
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| Practicing at home | 6/2/2007 |
Q: My husband and I are debating getting a practice bar for our girls to use at home. I have a 5 yo ...
A: Supervision will be the major key to safety if you choose to get a workout bar for the home. I ...
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| gymnastics | 6/1/2007 |
Q: My gymnastics coaches say I need to lose a lot of weight. I used to be going on a very unhealthy ...
A: This is absolutely a question for you and your doctor to sort out. Without knowing the ratio of lean ...
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| Gymnastics | 6/1/2007 |
Q: Hey how are u i have a question? Question 1. żI wanna know how much Strength i need Phicicaly and ...
A: You wrote: "Question 1. żI wanna know how much Strength i need Phicicaly and mentaly i need?" ...
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| gymnastics | 6/1/2007 |
Q: My daughter is 8yrs and a level 4 gymnast. When she does a back handspring on trampoline her legs do ...
A: Hey Dawn, One solution to your daughter's problem of keeping her legs together on a back handspring ...
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| how | 5/30/2007 |
Q: how do i do a cartwheel without my hands
A: Devin, First, you must do this only under the supervision of a qualified gymnastics coach. A good ...
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| to help me | 5/24/2007 |
Q: what things do you need to be a good gymnast
A: You asked, "What things do you need to be a good gymnast?" I believe you need the following ...
|
| Full Turns ... | 5/18/2007 |
Q: Any tips for full turns on beam? My girls are having problems making it all the way around. Any ...
A: Sorry for the delay. I either deleted your question accidentally or somehow my spam filter go to it. ...
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| report | 5/17/2007 |
Q: I am doing a report in school about gymnastics! I have to learn about the safty, How to do a ...
A: I believe I can answer any specific questions you may have. What questions do you have about ...
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| Gymnastics Training | 5/16/2007 |
Q: I am a level 6 gymnast hoping to do gymnastics in college. The only problem is......I'm 16. I have ...
A: I applaud your desire. It will not be easy, but it is not impossible either. I do know a few young ...
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| dowel grips | 5/15/2007 |
Q: my daughter is 11 yrs old 5' 3" 100 lbs (not sure if that is needed, but maybe) she is on our YMCA ...
A: The reality is that no type of grip is mandatory. If you watch world class gymnastics in person or ...
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| grips | 5/9/2007 |
Q: i am a gymnast and my mom would like me to start using grips for uneven bars. is it best to get ...
A: I am sure your mom has your best interests at heart, but you should not wear grips until your coach ...
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| Fitness | 5/7/2007 |
Q: I took gymnastics religisuly as a child. I had a growth spurt early on and due to my height I had ...
A: The class you are looking for would be specific to a program in your area of the country. Since I do ...
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| I might be too old!! | 5/5/2007 |
Q: OK, so I used to take gymnastics and made it to level 7, i tried out for my high school cheerleading ...
A: The first recommendation would be a visit to your doctor to make sure in all ways you are physically ...
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| connecting flight series on beam for level 8 | 5/3/2007 |
Q: I'm working on my flight series for beam. I'm doing a back walkover-back handspring. One of my ...
A: I am not a judge, but I would hazard a guess and say the idea for a "connection" is continuous ...
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| to skip level 6 pros-cons | 5/2/2007 |
Q: Can give us some pros & cons of skipping level 6 for our 8 year old gymnast. She competed this past ...
A: You wrote, "Can [you] give us some pros & cons of skipping level 6 for our 8 year old gymnast?" ...
|
| gymnastics | 5/2/2007 |
Q: tomorrow i have a gymnastics meet and i ned a routine . But the problem is that igymnastics isnt ...
A: Please write down all the skills you have on every event, plus the level of routine you need, where ...
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| Moving from 5A to 5P ect........ | 5/1/2007 |
Q: Does a gymnast have to compete level 5P before moving to level 6 or does level 5A count? I ...
A: Sorry, but I have never heard of Level 5P or Level 5A. I can only imagine they are competitive ...
|
| SPLITS | 4/29/2007 |
Q: WHAT IS THE EASIEST SPLIT TO DO? IM ABOUT 1 FOOT OF THE GROUND FROM A SIDE SPLIT...I ALWAYS PUT MY ...
A: You asked, "WHAT IS THE EASIEST SPLIT TO DO?" The answer is a banana split with lots of hot fudge! ...
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| Starting a program | 4/27/2007 |
Q: Two years ago our Y sponsored gymnastics program was cut because of personality conflicts in the ...
A: Check out these sites and be sure to tell them I (Rik Feeney) sent you. Premier Athletics ...
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| My back is really really stiff | 4/25/2007 |
Q: My back is really really stiff , when i stretch especially touching my toes my back looks like a ...
A: You wrote, "my back looks like a hump." Is it possible you are a descendant of Igor, the faithful ...
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| 5 yr old gymnast | 4/25/2007 |
Q: here are my responses to your questions. (this is a follow up to a question i asked previously). ...
A: First, please understand that in my book, the most important people in the gymnastics equation are ...
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| Am i too old? | 4/25/2007 |
Q: .I am turning 13 in June, i am looking forward in Gymnastics. Am i too old? I have accomplished .. ...
A: If it is something you truly want to do and not just a passing fad - then go for it. I know several ...
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| making the team | 4/24/2007 |
Q: Can you give me some idea as to how coaches go about selecting girls for team? My daughter is ...
A: You wrote, "Can you give me some idea as to how coaches go about selecting girls for team?" The ...
|
| 5 yr. old gymnast | 4/23/2007 |
Q: i have a dilemma. i have a very talented 5 yr. old gymnast(at least i think she is). i knew she ...
A: Every time I think I have heard it all a situation like this pops up. Please be advised my ...
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| Prep Op / USAG levels | 4/23/2007 |
Q: I would like to know what's the difference btn Prep Op and the USAG levels. For example, what's the ...
A: While the USAG sets the guidelines for compulsories and optional routines, many states elect to add ...
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| Appropriate amount of strength training for a 5-6 year old | 4/23/2007 |
Q: My 4-year-old daughter is being moved to advanced pre-team. She has her pullovers, back hip circles, ...
A: In my opinion, from what you have described, it seems as if the strength circuit is not appropriate ...
|
| stretching & punishment | 4/23/2007 |
Q: My daughter is finishing her level 4 season and we have had coaching issues thoughout the season. ...
A: The question is often the answer. Think of your letter as an overall question. "we have had ...
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| Appropriate amount of strength training for a 5-6 year old | 4/21/2007 |
Q: My 4-year-old daughter is being moved to advanced pre-team. She has her pullovers, back hip circles, ...
A: Strength is the "magical" technique that will create the greatest positive effect on skill ...
|
| Kips | 4/20/2007 |
Q: I had asked you previously about kips, and you countered with a series of questions for strength and ...
A: Hey LC, Sounds like she is on her way. You wrote: "The straddle made a world of difference as it ...
|
| Pre-school team | 4/18/2007 |
Q: I coach gymnastics since 3 years. Our gym is opening a new pre-competitive group, formed of 4-5 ...
A: Actually, I have a document titled "Introductory Lesson Plan" that can be adapted to a pre-school ...
|
| I'm from Korea. :) can you answer me ? | 4/18/2007 |
Q: um.... I was in level 4 in 2005 when I was in USA but there isn't any gymnastics thing in Korea. I ...
A: To get a copy of all the element requirements for Level's 1 - 6, please go to this URL: ...
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| handstands | 4/17/2007 |
Q: I have a 7 year old training for TOPS and I'm looking for some tips to help improve her handstand ...
A: Wow! I literally feel frozen in place. I want to make this suggestion, then another thought pops ...
|
| moblity requirements | 4/16/2007 |
Q: I can't seem to find any information about what these requirements are. Can you help.
A: I went online to do a cursory search for the information you requested. Unfortunately, I did not ...
|
| favoritism at the gym | 4/16/2007 |
Q: I am a 17 year old optional gymnast. (i know what you're thinking.. where are my walker and knitting ...
A: You have intrigued me. How do you tumble with knitting needles? Aren't you afraid you are going to ...
|
| When is it time to quit? | 4/15/2007 |
Q: I don't know if its time to quit or not??? I'm feeling like I have better things to do, but I still ...
A: You asked, "When is it time to quit?" It is never a good time to "quit." I caution you not to ...
|
| your books | 4/15/2007 |
Q: good morning! where can i purchase the following books: I am also a ghostwriter and co-author of ...
A: You can get discounted copies of the Levels 1-3 books and the Safety Basics book at: ...
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| highbar | 4/12/2007 |
Q: I ca't seem to get my pullover or back hip circle. For my pullover, i cant seem to get my hips to ...
A: Unfortunately, you have given me very little information. I can make a few suggestions, but without ...
|
| Moving a girl to pre-team | 4/12/2007 |
Q: My daughter has been in gymnastics for about 2 years and just turned 6. She can do backhandsprings ...
A: Coaches go to clinics and seminars to learn "disapproving glares" "body language to shun unwanted ...
|
| pressed handstand | 4/11/2007 |
Q: My 5 y.o. daughter is in level 3 & was in the tops program ( quit due to being to hard). She ...
A: Actually, it is called a "press handstand." A pressed handstand is something you pay out the wazoo ...
|
| Front tucks | 4/10/2007 |
Q: I have loved reading your past answers, sometimes incredibly amused, sometiems open mouthed with ...
A: It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Just like when I put tuna fish between my toes so both my cat ...
|
| Moving to Level 5 Girls | 4/8/2007 |
Q: My daughter is currently a first year level 4. She is doing very well. She qualified for ...
A: This is straight from the USA Gymnastics web site. "Must pass with 75% proficiency on the sequences ...
|
| Talking to the coaches | 4/7/2007 |
Q: My daughter has been involved in recreational and competitive gymnastics since she was 3yrs old, the ...
A: You wrote, " How do I express to the coaches my daughters desire to move up the gymnastics food ...
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| if you have any tips they would deffinately help me a lot! | 4/6/2007 |
Q: it's not very good by the way. i have a stability ball a yoga mat and i have 6 pound weights but ...
A: I wish I had enough time and space to write all you need to know, but even describing the basic ...
|
| coils in the springboard | 4/5/2007 |
Q: I am the parent of a 10 year old level 8 gymnast. She is a good vaulter considering she is about 55 ...
A: I am not sure I understand your problem. Your daughter is 10 years old and a Level 8 - a pretty ...
|
| Follow up to arch position & Kips | 4/5/2007 |
Q: I liked your answer the last time I asked you something about the bars. I haven't had much luck ...
A: LC, A dip is very similar to a tricep push up although it is normally done on a set of parallel ...
|
| weightlifting | 4/5/2007 |
Q: My friend told me that gymnast dont and cant lift weights. He said they ruin your muscles and make a ...
A: Kevin, Several years and many thousands of pizza's ago I was a competitive gymnast at Temple ...
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| motivation | 4/4/2007 |
Q: have been very amused by some of your answers and really appreciate your honesty and views. So here ...
A: At 7 years old I was still playing with my Barbies..., uh, I mean G.I. Joes (he says with voice ...
|
| Follow up to arch position & Kips | 4/4/2007 |
Q: I liked your answer the last time I asked you something about the bars. I haven't had much luck ...
A: There are so many things I can write about the kip, in fact, I am writing a book on it but that ...
|
| evaluation?? | 4/4/2007 |
Q: I finally got my girls (age 7 and 9..have been doing gymnastics for 2 years) an appointment for an ...
A: You wrote, "If you are evaluating some children for a team or pre-team, what are you looking for in ...
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| equipment settings | 4/3/2007 |
Q: My daughter has just completed her level 5 competive season and is now training level 6 for the fall ...
A: What's the big deal? Put your daughter on the rack and stretch her out a few more inches. While you ...
|
| Daughter wants to quit | 4/3/2007 |
Q: my daughter is a 9 years old and on level 5. She's only been doing gymnastics for a year and a half ...
A: Guidance is the essence of parenting. What you do in this instance can have far reaching ...
|
| uneven skills | 4/3/2007 |
Q: I have a 10yo level 5. She has had trouble with bars since last year as a level 4. She does fine ...
A: You wrote, <What tips do you have for an uneven gymnast?> Why, I would straighten her right out. ( ...
|
| When is it time to move to the next level? | 4/2/2007 |
Q: My eight year daughter has just completed her first competitive year in Level 4 competition. She ...
A: First of all, no level of team is worthless. It may not fit into the game plan or strategies of a ...
|
| Switching the gym? | 4/1/2007 |
Q: I have two girls (7 and 9) that have been taking classes for almost two years. They have been doing ...
A: The team being "full" is one thing, but in my humble opinion, if they truly told you that ...
|
| level 7 level 8 transition | 3/31/2007 |
Q: My 11 yr old has competed level 7 2 years after "skipping" level 6. Her AA scores are between 34-36. ...
A: Personally, and especially from level 7 on, I like to see a gymnast score an average of a 9.00 on ...
|
| Need to sell some equipment | 3/30/2007 |
Q: Rik, My wife and I are trying to sell quite a bit of All Around equipment. We are selling it to ...
A: Craig, Have you contacted gymnastics clubs near you? I would be surprised if many of them did not ...
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| Switching Gyms | 3/29/2007 |
Q: Was I right to switch gyms? My daughter (5 years old)was in a Pre-developmental program (not devo ...
A: "Was I right to switch gyms?" Only you can answer that question, but I would ask, "Did you achieve ...
|
| Back Handspring | 3/29/2007 |
Q: I love gymnastics, but do not have the time or money to take lessons or even go to a gym. I have ...
A: One of my driving passions in the sport of gymnastics is SAFETY. As such, in all my books, reports, ...
|
| College Gymnastics | 3/26/2007 |
Q: I am currently 13 years old, and will be moving up to level six. I hope, if I work really hard, that ...
A: I think you can reach any goal you desire if you are really passionate about it and are willing to ...
|
| vault | 3/25/2007 |
Q: I have a 9 year old daughter who currently is competing level 6 with AA scores in the 35's. Floor, ...
A: Vault is all about ballistics, block angles, velocity, and trajectories. To simplify, the most ...
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| kickovers | 3/24/2007 |
Q: My daughter is 6 and is trying to get the kickover part of the backbend kick over in the level 3 ...
A: The key is in getting her center-of-gravity, which is many times located in her hip area, directly ...
|
| Class Seperation | 3/23/2007 |
Q: I hope this does not come across wrong or like a "controlling" parent. I have a 7 yr old daughter ...
A: J., Fortunately, I ate a salad while reading your letter, so I am in a "back to nature" more ...
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| Judging | 3/23/2007 |
Q: In your opinion(s), do you believe “established” gyms are scored with a bit of favoritism? Please ...
A: Let me tell you a funny story that happened several years ago. I happened upon a quantity of ...
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| Joga Vs. USAG | 3/22/2007 |
Q: What is the idfference between Joga and USAG? I was a competitive gymnast about 20 years ago and I ...
A: I have absolutely no personal experience of the JOGA system of competition. When I looked it up ...
|
| Recreational Programs for Older People | 3/21/2007 |
Q: I'm a 19-year-old wanting to get back into gymnastics again. I quit when I was 11 to go into ...
A: I don't even know where you live, so I can't suggest any gym. I do know that several gyms do have ...
|
| AGA vs. USAG | 3/21/2007 |
Q: I know absolutely nothing about gymnastics and was wondering what the difference is in the AGA and ...
A: I also know practically nothing about the AGA program. Are you in Texas? I believe that might be ...
|
| USAG stats for 2006-2007 | 3/17/2007 |
Q: I maintain the parent's website for our competetive gym and am trying to find the statistics by ...
A: Here is the only information I could find: ...
|
| Arch and Hollow Position | 3/16/2007 |
Q: My daughter will be moving up from level 4 to 5 this summer. She seems to have trouble keeping a ...
A: Based on your description, I would say your daughter may have a weakness in her hip flexors and mid ...
|
| Clarity in coaching | 3/16/2007 |
Q: My daughter has just finished her comp season, she is now working new skills for next year. My ...
A: "Am I just plain crazy...?" Dear Wendy, I am no psychologist so I can't answer the above question, ...
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| daughter not being challened | 3/16/2007 |
Q: My 7 yr old started a tumbling class 7 months ago. 6 weeks ago she changed days, before changing I ...
A: Problem: "I sat and watched her bored to tears..." "I kept thinking things would improve." ...
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| How do you know when it's either time to quit or switch | 3/12/2007 |
Q: I printed it out and showed it to my husband. You have definitely given us a lot to think about. ...
A: I think it is probably a good idea to finish out this season where you are and then get a fresh ...
|
| Flexibility | 3/9/2007 |
Q: I Ave practicing my flexibility since august 2006 its been 8 months, I know how to do the full ...
A: I don't have any specific pcitures available at the moment, but there are some resources you may ...
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| How do you know when it's either time to quit or switch | 3/9/2007 |
Q: We have talked before, dealing with fear with the backwalkover and the flyaway with my daughter. We ...
A: Let me first say this is obviously one of those heart-wrenching situations where no matter the ...
|
| Level 6 | 3/9/2007 |
Q: My scores have been on the lower side. Beam - 8.6, floor 8.9, vault - 8.0, bars - 8.0. My coaches ...
A: Go for it, Hannah! It sounds like gymnastics is in your blood. A common phenomenon for many who are ...
|
| Level 6 | 3/7/2007 |
Q: I am a level 5 gymnast hoping to be a level 6 next year. I have all my level 5 skills consistently ...
A: I have convoluted feelings about your goal. I understand what you desire, but have you earned the ...
|
| Scoring | 3/5/2007 |
Q: Our daughter is on a level 2 prep team. She has participated in about 6 competitions in the last 6 ...
A: Angela, Compulsory Routines As the name suggests all the elements or skills that make up this ...
|
| USAG gym | 3/4/2007 |
Q: Wondering if you could please help me with a few questions in regards to our gym club, coaches and ...
A: The best I can do is give you some feedback that is strictly my opininion based on the information ...
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| finding an elements list | 3/1/2007 |
Q: I need to find a list of A,B,C, etc. elements for level 7 prep op routines on all events. We are ...
A: Karen, Check out: http://usagym.sportgraphics.biz/index.asp?cmd=showproduct¶m_0=1117¶m_1=11 ...
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| compulsory vs pre-optional | 2/27/2007 |
Q: I'm sorry, I don't think I was clear in my question. There are two types of gymnastics ...
A: I must confess, I have not heard about a "pre-optional" program that comes before compulsory ...
|
| compulsory vs pre-op | 2/25/2007 |
Q: I wanted to know what the reason are for gymnastics to compete in compulsory vs. pre-op. My ...
A: Usually, compulsory routine ARE done before competing as a prep-optional gymnast. Other than the ...
|
| Giants | 2/24/2007 |
Q: I'm doing very well with them until i get to the shifting and swinging back through. I can shift, ...
A: The impression I am getting is that you do not shift your grip effectively as evidenced by your ...
|
| gymnastics | 2/22/2007 |
Q: We are age 10 and 11 and are at a level where we can do handstands, cartwheels, round offs, ...
A: For a specific answer that fits your needs, the best bet is to schedule a private lesson with a ...
|
| Controlling Nervousness | 2/21/2007 |
Q: my daughter is 9 years old and scores in the 9's on every event but beam. She's been getting low 8's ...
A: Off the cuff, my answer would be to get her in front of an audience more often on beam. According ...
|
| qualifications for pre-team | 2/12/2007 |
Q: My 6 year old daughter wants to try out for the pre-team this summer. I know that this will very in ...
A: As you say the criteria for a "pre-team" could vary significantly from club to club and region to ...
|
| RE: back handspring | 2/12/2007 |
Q: Rik, I do not have video of her doing this that I can down-load. However, when she goes into her ...
A: Hmmmm.... Karen, that does seem a bit unusual. Has she ever injured her left leg? Is it hurting ...
|
| RE: back handspring | 2/12/2007 |
Q: My daughter is training for level 5 this year... but is having problems straightening her left leg ...
A: Unfortunately, I do not have enough information at this point to help you. "My daughter is training ...
|
| Rips | 2/11/2007 |
Q: my daughter is starting to get small rips. What is the proper treatment and what is a rip kit? Is ...
A: The answer to this question is long. Get A Grip On Your Rip It is the night before the state ...
|
| Handstands | 2/9/2007 |
Q: When doing a correct handstand, should the first leg up in the air be the first leg down? Thank-you
A: A "correct" handstand? If a compulsory has specific requirements, obviously you must follow those ...
|
| too much attention | 1/28/2007 |
Q: We are from Britain and do not compete within the same grade system. My daughter is able to compete ...
A: It sounds like you have a plan. My only response to your letter besides, good luck (LUCK = Laboring ...
|
| too much attention | 1/27/2007 |
Q: how you doing. Thanks for taking the time to read my question. It was interesting to read the post ...
A: Obviously, in my other response I felt the "attention" given by the coaches may not have been in the ...
|
| unfair attention? | 1/24/2007 |
Q: I go to a gym and there are 3 coaches. There is one girl on the team that the coaches are literally ...
A: Based on what you wrote above, aren't you glad the coaches spend more time with this girl than with ...
|
| backwalkovers | 1/22/2007 |
Q: You had given me advice for my daughter who was afraid of doing the flyaway on bars. She is ...
A: I am really like a doctor operating with a blindfold on this one. Is there any chance you could send ...
|
| Age | 1/8/2007 |
Q: Im 17 years old and I've decided to go back to gymnastics. I started when I was 3 and left at about ...
A: Lain, You have a 100% chance of failure and a 100% chance of success. As I told another gymnast: ...
|
| re: mental block?? | 1/8/2007 |
Q: I will pass this on to the coach she is working with and see what she says. I really think the ...
A: Kim, Without a doubt, there are advantages to working the bars at FIG. It certainly helps workouts ...
|
| re: mental block?? | 1/6/2007 |
Q: I have a 11 year old daughter who is a competitive athlete. She is very small in size as I am only ...
A: It seems from your letter that your daughter had a very real "fear" experience. My thought is that ...
|
| prep op 3 question | 1/4/2007 |
Q: My daughter moved to a new gym and just finished level 6 at the old gym. She is now doing prep op ...
A: I do not know the specific answer to that question. It is my understanding that "Prep Op" is ...
|
| strap bar | 1/4/2007 |
Q: We just got a strap bar (finally!) at our gym. Do you have any suggestions of drills we could do ...
A: Hey Tasha, First, make sure the strap bar is closely supervised by a qualified coach. Second, do ...
|
| EQUIPMENT | 1/3/2007 |
Q: I need some advice in the care of uneven bars. Cleaning, and whatever else is entailed. Also, can ...
A: What kind of bars are these? Do they have fiberglass rails? Do they have cables connecting them to ...
|
| Gym? | 1/1/2007 |
Q: ok I have some questions regarding the actual gym, I noticed in another post you have been a gym ...
A: I have been a gym owner in the past. Unfortunately, I can only speculate as to why all these changes ...
|
| level 4 and 5 competition costs | 1/1/2007 |
Q: Ok, Rik, I am only responding one last time because you assumed I have already bought into this ...
A: Johnna, Time for me to bid my farewells and back out of what seems to be turning into a full blown ...
|
| level 4 and 5 competition costs | 12/31/2006 |
Q: I see your point Rik, in some ways, but the truth is, when my child is a level 7,8,9 or 10 gymnast I ...
A: Seriously, I have "been there and done that" for practically all that you describe. I was a ...
|
| i have a question | 12/31/2006 |
Q: As your signature, you signed your name Rik Feeney....expert on back handsprings.... what are some ...
A: Siara, It sounds like you learned how to do a back walkover before a back handspring and may be ...
|
| TOPS on our road?? | 12/29/2006 |
Q: Good morning. :) I have a daughter who just turned 5 in Nov. - she has been doing gym for about a ...
A: "I dont want her to burn out." A grave concern. My "honest" advice is to make sure that gymnastics ...
|
| level 4 and 5 competition costs | 12/29/2006 |
Q: I would like to know if you could tell me what the average cost is to compete in level 4 or 5 ...
A: I read your letter and found all the situations you described within "normal" boundaries, however, ...
|
| front tucks | 12/29/2006 |
Q: We've been training front tucks on floor and I can do them and land but I don't get very much ...
A: A couple of suggestions I might make: Focus on a tight, low hurdle - the longer you are in the air ...
|
| Gym Owners as judges | 12/27/2006 |
Q: What is your opinion on gym owners becoming judges, and judging meets where their teams compete? ...
A: What is your opinion on gym owners becoming judges, and judging meets where their teams compete? ...
|
| gymnastics | 12/25/2006 |
Q: Do u know how long it will take most people to reach level 10. And what level do u have to be to ...
A: Congratulations! Do u know how long it will take most people to reach level 10. I can't answer ...
|
| asthma as an excuse? | 12/22/2006 |
Q: My daughter is on a top-level 4 team, practicing 9 hours per week. The team does strength training ...
A: Strength training is a key, no a critical element, to the success of any gymnast regardless of ...
|
| TOP's | 12/14/2006 |
Q: I've read your previous responses about TOP's so I thought I'd ask you my question. I have a almost ...
A: Some of these are scary questions to answer not knowing your daughter's capabilities personally, and ...
|
| TOPS | 12/13/2006 |
Q: Okay...so you say don't give up...what do we do??? We have no clue where to start or who to go to. ...
A: Kristie, First of all where do you live geographically? How many gyms are there within reasonable ...
|
| fear | 12/12/2006 |
Q: Success!! She did the flyaway in the meet!! Her coach did spot her, and he told her this meet with ...
A: Denise, Give your daughter my congratulations! This is an important first step. I believe the ...
|
| TOPS | 12/12/2006 |
Q: My daughter started gymnastics last January as recreation. She made the level 3 competitive team by ...
A: Kristie, I get really annoyed when I hear stories like this. I hope the coaches that told you she ...
|
| Mental blocks | 12/11/2006 |
Q: my daughter is 11 and a level 6 - she is stuck at 6 bc of her mental blocks with bakc tumbling. she ...
A: Michele, This sounds like it may be a bit beyond my expertise. It sounds like you need to talk with ...
|
| coaching tactics | 12/9/2006 |
Q: Rik, My daughter is a new level seven gymnast - this will be her first optional season. Her ...
A: Linda, This is a very difficult question to answer. I don't feel as if I have enough infomation to ...
|
| back handspring blues | 12/6/2006 |
Q: but a cheerleader whenever I go to throw my back handspring my arms don't make it all the way back ...
A: This definitely sounds like you need to regress in technique a bit. Annoying but it might help. My ...
|
| fear | 12/5/2006 |
Q: My 12 year daughter is a level six gymnast. She is afraid of letting go on the flyaway. She has ...
A: Denise, This is a very important issue and has many ramifications upon which I can only speculate. ...
|
| Gymnastics | 12/4/2006 |
Q: I have a couple questions to ask you!! 1: what is the most common injure? 2: How dose this sport ...
A: Makenzie, One of the most common injuries in gymnastics is a rip. A rip occurs when a "dime-sized" ...
|
| level 4 floor routine | 12/4/2006 |
Q: In my daughters floor routine I noticed she wasn't doing the "side chasse" that is supposed to be ...
A: Compulsory means "you have no choice it is part of the routine." I am not familiar with that ...
|
| oral presentation | 11/30/2006 |
Q: i am doing a project and my oral presentation class and I wanted to get info. about how to go about ...
A: There are just too many areas of information to cover in opening a gym, that even a three page ...
|
| splits and walkovers | 11/29/2006 |
Q: I don't actually do gymnastics and I don't really want to start a class, but some people in my class ...
A: You have asked for information on right leg splits, middle splits, and tips on stretching. You also ...
|
| when should you give up your dreams? | 11/28/2006 |
Q: Feeney, I am 23 years old. I had started gymnastics when I was twelve, but didn't get to finish. One ...
A: I have been asked this question in several formats over the years, and, as always I like to err on ...
|
| how to do a back hand spring | 11/23/2006 |
Q: i need help on doing the back hand spring!!! i wanna learn!!! some advise?
A: Desiree, Your question is too vague to give an adequate response. So, I will respond by saying the ...
|
| Gymnastics | 11/23/2006 |
Q: I have a few questions about gymnastics. Is 12 yrs old too old to start. I can to handstands into ...
A: Mishelle, Your questions cover a wide expanse of gymnastics information. I will try and give you ...
|
| gymnastics | 11/13/2006 |
Q: I have been doing gymnastics for at least 5 years. I am in Level 5 right now and I am 14 years old. ...
A: I think you are asking the wrong question. The real question is, "Do I enoy what I am doing?" with ...
|
| how to do the splits | 11/9/2006 |
Q: I'm 12 years old a girl and I've been trying to do the splits. i was wondering if you could tell me ...
A: While a split is a relatively simple move, there are several considerations that need to be taken ...
|
| competition tomorrow | 10/28/2006 |
Q: my coach requires us to get 36's to move up, and these are my problems. What are the deductions for ...
A: Please pardon the delay in answering your question. My computer underwent some upgrades and somehow ...
|
| Number of Coaches Required | 10/26/2006 |
Q: Is there a set number of coaches that are to be present at each meet according to USA Gymnastics? ...
A: Gary, I am not aware of any "required" number of coaches or a "ratio" that has been prescribed by ...
|
| cast on bars | 10/3/2006 |
Q: my daughter is a level 6 usag gymnast she has been doing gymnastics for 5 years now and cant seem to ...
A: Susan, Since I can't see your daughters cast, I can't give you specifics on what to improve. By ...
|
| age vs. level | 10/2/2006 |
Q: I am 16 going to be 17 and i am a level 6 gymnast. I know that I am extremely pushing the age limit ...
A: You always have a "slight" chance but I won't kid you, this will be a goal that requires a lot of ...
|
| What level do you have to be? | 9/15/2006 |
Q: What level does a gymnast have to be in order to be eligible for college gymnastics? Is there any ...
A: Most colleges recruit throughout the year to find the optimal team members who are often awarded ...
|
| My Level | 9/10/2006 |
Q: I am 14 years old and have participated in gymnastics for 8 years, 4 years at a competitive gym, ...
A: Sorry it took so long to get back to you, I have been out of town. A cursory review of your skills ...
|
| Right class for 4 1/2 year old | 8/28/2006 |
Q: My 4 year old daughter and my 6 year old daughter both currently work out 3 days a week for two ...
A: You probably should have started your youngest daughter in a highly competitive, Olympic-bound, sure ...
|
| prep op high school rules | 8/24/2006 |
Q: When I go on the mass usag site I can't print the prep op high school rules, it cuts off half. Is ...
A: If you go to the http://www.massusag.com/ site you can find the email for the state chairperson and ...
|
| adult gymnastics | 8/23/2006 |
Q: Hey Rik. I started gymnastics when I was about 5, and did it until 11. I then quit because of a ...
A: I don't see any reason you can't start up gymnastics again, although I would take the long view - in ...
|
| Punch Fronts | 8/23/2006 |
Q: We have a gymnast who is moving up to level 6 and is having trouble learning the punch front. She ...
A: First, no matter what advice I provide here, you must promise to apply it only in the presence of a ...
|
| coaching career | 8/22/2006 |
Q: I was a gymnast for 8 years, but left it behind when I graduated high school. After 4 years of ...
A: Before you quit your day job you may want to visit several of the gymnastics clubs in your area and ...
|
| Level 3 | 8/21/2006 |
Q: What are the requirements for a 6 year old level 3 girl? Also--what are the Level 4 req. to ...
A: Traci, To get a copy of all the elements requirements for Level's 1 - 6, please go to this URL: ...
|
| Turning Pro Criteria | 8/19/2006 |
Q: How much in what type of compensation does it take to disqualify a gymnast as an amateur? Can you ...
A: Mark, Unfortunately, I do not feel qualified to give you an adequate answer on this subject. I ...
|
| Level 7 Beam skills | 8/17/2006 |
Q: Does a back walkover into a back handspring on the beam count for the flight series, the connection ...
A: The following is copied directly from ...
|
| Weigh-In | 8/15/2006 |
Q: What are the most important and effective things to do the day of weigh-in to stay where you need to ...
A: Weight control is a serious issue. Short term tricks to make weight lead to long term problems ...
|
| my backhand spring | 8/14/2006 |
Q: I have tumbled for many years,but my backhand spring is something i have been strugling with.The ...
A: Do you jump up when performing the back handspring out of a round off, or do you jump up instead of ...
|
| Kips and front hip circles | 8/13/2006 |
Q: the onlything that is holding me back is my kip and front hip circles. i was woundering if you can ...
A: A kip certainly can be a frustrating element to learn. I can give you a few tips, but without seeing ...
|
| optionals | 8/10/2006 |
Q: My daughter is in level 3 gymnastics, and has a goal of moving to level 4 to eventually compete in ...
A: The answer to your question involves two major elements: 1. Communication 2. Goals Regarding ...
|
| pak | 8/8/2006 |
Q: its a fly away from high bar to low bar.Do you have any good drills in helping the girls finish in a ...
A: I must admit I have not worked the skill with a gymnast in the past few years and feel out of the ...
|
| Level 7 beam | 8/3/2006 |
Q: Is a front-handspring, back-handspring connected on the beam a series you can compete in level 7?
A: Huh? How are you connecting these two skills? Front handspring to two foot landing then ...
|
| Moving through levels | 8/2/2006 |
Q: My daughter started gymnastics just 8 months ago at a park district. When we saw how much she liked ...
A: Wow, this is an ultra-difficult question to answer, and I must emphasize that my response will have ...
|
| What are the level 7 requirements for bars? | 7/24/2006 |
Q: I can do a free-hip handstand and I can do a giant. Am I allowed to connect them in level 7 or do I ...
A: So I don't get in trouble with copyrights, I will simply give you the address for the page at USA ...
|
| Gymnastics | 7/13/2006 |
Q: My Daughter is 11 years old and just moved to USAG level 9. Do you know of a book that gives you a ...
A: Janice, You can get a book called the "F.I.G. Code of Points" which lists most of the gymnastics ...
|
| levels | 7/10/2006 |
Q: What level am I at I can do this : back and front walkovers fronthandspring all cartwheels and ...
A: Unfortunately, I can't make an evaluation of your skills through an email. Several gymnasts have ...
|
| Change gyms? | 7/9/2006 |
Q: I'm looking for some advice and thought you might be able to give me an objective view on a decision ...
A: My knee jerk reaction to this question is to respond, "you dance with the one that brung you," ...
|
| Jr. olympic | 6/20/2006 |
Q: My daughter's gym is a "Jr. Olympic training facility." Can you tell me what that means? Thanks!
A: The JO or Junior Olympic program is a system of training / competition that starts at Level 1 and ...
|
