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What I Think Makes a Great Gymnastics Coach

Posted on 24. Feb, 2009 by Kathe Jones in Gyms & Coaches

Gymnastic coaching is an interesting business – on one hand, you want to do anything it takes to help your gymnasts succeed and on the other, you’ve got to remember that they’re still human.

I think being able to find that balance is a hallmark of great gymnastic coaching, that and:

Putting the Gymnast First
I think any coach that’s out there and putting the needs of the gymnast before themselves, their reputations or the reputation of their gym, is on the path to greatness. I love these coaches because they remember that yes, they have an important role to play, but in the end, it’s not about them.

Being Willing to Take a Break
Burnout is a serious problem in gymnastics. These gymnasts are stronger than probably you or me, but many of these young men and women are just that – young. And the pressures of constant training and competing can take their toll.

A coach that can recognize the early warning signs of burn out and take a step back is, in my opinion, putting the long term goal ahead of their own short term needs.

Making the Gym Fun
I’m a huge fan of coaches who can make their girls (or boys) laugh, keep them smiling and basically just keep the atmosphere in the gym fun. Why? Because gymnastics is fun. Yes, it’s a competition, but in the end, we’re leaping, flipping, bounding and flying because we love doing it. Take out the fun and you take out the love.

What about you? What do you think makes a great coach? Is it medals and stats or the overall experience?

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