To Gymnastics Parents & Coaches: “Sometimes, I get concerned…”
Posted on 06. Mar, 2009 by Kathe Jones in Gyms & Coaches
I attend a lot of gymnastics meets as part of my fit testing and design research for Motionwear. In the process, I see a lot of gymnastic coaching and parents of gymnasts in action. And sometimes, I get concerned…
I get concerned because I see (and please keep in mind that this is the exception and not the rule) parents & coaches focusing or harping on a far-off goal. They may not manifest this attitude directly to their gymnast but I hear it from them as we talk during meets. As they describe their child or student, I hear so much built in expectation that it seems inevitable that the hard-working, super dedicated little tumbler is going to disappoint them no matter how much they accomplish. They’re so fixated on the potential success that could be achieved 5 to 10 years from now, whether in national competition or college, they seem to forget the here and now.
The end result in these fortunately rare scenarios always seems to be a lot of unhappy competitors and young kids that are far too serious for their own good.
Personally, I tend to be drawn more towards positive gymnastic coaching techniques that still focus on hard work, but offer a balance. Instead of endless drills and a sometimes heavy-handed approach, the focus is more on learning and love of the sport.
What do you think? Would I be destined to failure in a gymnastic coaching career? If not, how can we convince these hard-liners to lighten up a bit?
photo:bryangeek
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4 Responses to “To Gymnastics Parents & Coaches: “Sometimes, I get concerned…””
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Don: I agree that its a balancing act to be a serious ...
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Mary Potter
27. Mar, 2009
I think once a girl reaches, say, Level 7, it’s time to bring the big guns out. If they’re still doing gymnastics and want to compete, then the coach has to get competitive. Otherwise, it’s just recreation.
Annette
24. Feb, 2010
As a parent of a “almost” level 4 girl, (she’s six and just getting into the team program), my thing is “Isn’t this supposed to be fun for them?” My daughter loves it and is having fun, that’s what I think is important for her at this age. She is lucky enough to have an awesome coach that makes working hard fun, too. As she gets older,(and she continues to progress) SHE will have to make the choice about how competitve she wants to be. I don’t feel I need to push, she expects more from herself at 6 than most kids twice her age, I don’t have to add to that!
Anne
24. Feb, 2011
Okay, I totally get and agree with all of the above. I have a question, though. My daughter just turned 10 and is a Level 6. She sometimes fights us about going to gym. She says she loves it, doesn’t want to quit, etc, but sometimes argues when it’s time for workout. For example, practice was called off on Monday (holiday), she normally doesn’t have gym on Tuesday, it was cancelled Wednesday due to snow, and now Thursday, it’s a normal practice day. She was busy playing with her friends and brother out in the snow, and then whined because she didn’t want to go. When she’s home, she’s always doing gymnastics stuff: tricks on the trampoline, making up floor routines, etc. She has had lots of success, her coaches are wonderful with positive approaches, etc. and she’s happy while she’s at gym. She says she doesn’t want to go to a different gym, she wants to stay where she is. So, how am I supposed to respond to her? Do I just let her skip practice? My husband, her coaches, and I all think she has quite a high level of talent for someone her age, but maybe she lacks the maturity to accompany it. I’m just not sure how to handle this. Please help!
Admin
27. Apr, 2011
Continue to encourage her and make sure she still enjoys all aspects. She’s at an age where it’s difficult to maintain enthusiasm for practice. Again, keep the encouragement high and refrain from forceful influence as that may drive her away from the sport. Practice is a means to an end and that is often hard for kids (and adults) to understand. Hope this helps.