Coaching Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Scott Johnson's Gym Experience

When I decided years ago to start my recreational tumbling program, I had no idea cheerleading had mushroomed beyond sideline cheerleading into a competition sport! I came from a gymnastics background and didn’t realize the number of athletes involved in the sport of cheerleading was huge. When the cheer programs and cheer parents in our community had heard that I started a tumbling program, my classes filled up quickly. What I noticed immediately was that the majority of these athletes hadn’t been taught basic tumbling mechanics and technique. It was then that I realized that I had something to offer that would benefit their skill development as athletes to not only be better, but safer tumblers. In this discussion, I will share my thoughts on the importance of proper skill mechanics for the cheerleader.

I posted on this subject previously but wanted to elaborate on some progressions to consider when training the cheerleader in tumbling. The sport of cheerleading has had enormous growth throughout the world and continues to grow at a rapid pace. The number of athletes involved in cheerleading today is huge. Unfortunately too many of them are rushed to be part of a competition team and never receive proper instruction in tumbling technique.

In regard to tumbling, the sports of gymnastics and cheerleading share many parallel skill dynamics. In gymnastics, beginning students are immediately immersed in fundamental technique and proper mechanics as the initial step toward the development of basic tumbling skills. This means the students are immediately learning about the different body positions and shapes that will be vital to the development of all tumbling skills. Why the focus on such detail? Because these same beginning mechanics and technique will be the building blocks that will allow them to acquire more advanced tumbling skills down the road.

To better understand why proper technique has such high priority in gymnastics vs. cheerleading, we simply need to look at the fundamental difference between their competition formats. Cheerleading is an all inclusive team sport where the team is evaluated based on performing in unison. So if an individual members skill technique is somewhat flawed it has little impact on the overall team score. In gymnastics, the athlete competes alone and is evaluated on the technical execution of each and every skill they perform throughout the routine. Talk about being under a microscope!

With that said, the required basic tumbling elements for both sports are essentially the same (The Technique Controversy). The real priority for us as coaches and instructors should be teaching proper technique not only to advance the athlete, but more importantly to minimize the risk of injury.

I have worked with many gymnasts and cheerleaders that have developed such bad habits in their tumbling skills that they have come to a dead-end and unable to move on to more advanced skills. For most of the cheerleaders the result is due to the rush I mentioned earlier. In too many cases the athlete and/or the coach is in such a rush to get that one series of skills that proper technique is forfeited for the sake of time. In the end, this approach will prove to be detrimental to the athlete’s ability to build on their skill level.

The underlying concern in many cheer programs is that too many beginning tumbling instructors do not always have the inherited understanding of skill development progressions gained through years of exposure as a gymnast. They may be experts in stunting and cheer choreography, but may lack the basic technical understanding of tumbling skill progression. Teaching proper tumbling skill technique is very detailed and takes time. Fully understanding tumbling skill mechanics and drill progressions takes years of experience, education, and in most cases actually doing.

Coaches conference — Coaches Training Conference

I highly suggest that cheer programs that do not have access to qualified tumbling instructors seek out gymnastic programs that offer tumbling for cheerleaders and set up a program for both athlete’s and instructors.

I have seen FB posts of video showing students performing a skill incorrectly with the coach asking for advice. My initial reaction in many cases has been that they are not ready for that level of skill. Admittedly, in some cases, the safety of the student has been a concern. This is an example of the instructor not fully understanding the inherent risk associated in doing the skill improperly. In regard to the athlete, performing a skill poorly is an obvious sign that they do not have an understanding of the mechanics involved in the skill. This lack of understanding can and will result in a fear of the skill possibly to the point of a mental block, and that may very well keep them from ever owning the skill.

As I said earlier in this article, the real priority for us as coaches and instructors should be teaching proper technique not only to advance the athlete, but more importantly to minimize the risk of injury.

There are many cheerleading programs out there that do have a strong and structured tumbling program within their system. All cheer programs should develop these systems for the positive development and safety of their athletes. There are many resources that can be found to assist these gyms in developing a strong tumbling program. I have worked with many cheer programs doing clinics for their students and coaches. In addition, cheer conferences and clinics are a good way for the coaching staff to learn this knowledge. Knowledge is power and power brings success!!

I would love to hear your comments. Also, if there are any subjects you would like me to cover, let me know and I will do my best to post my thoughts. Please Like and Share to all you believe will benefit from the information.

For clinics, seminars, or special events, please contact me at: scottjohnsongymnastics@gmail.com http://www.scottjohnsonstga.com

The three highest priorities in any youth sports program should be the student, the gym and staff, and the parent, in that order. The objective of the coach is to train the athlete and provide an environment that will produce positive results. This is a challenge in itself and takes much planning, development, and effort on part of the program directors and the entire coaching staff. What is seldom discussed and in some programs even avoided is how to coach the Parents. This can be a trying endeavor, and one that should have its own set of rules and objectives in every program. In this discussion, I will reflect some insight and thoughts on this important topic and its effect on the operations of youth sports programs.

All parents tend to see their children through rose-colored glasses, and will at times assume both the talent and passion to achieve are inherent. Unfortunately, in some cases, a parent’s passion to achieve can be stronger than the child’s, and will frequently attempt to direct and control how their child is trained. This is a common recurrence in all youth sport programs. When this happens, the parent can create a difficult and stressful distraction for the child, and the program. This is not only a challenge to deal with but often results in conflict and an end to the child’s participation. I believe this issue can be controlled but it takes the effort of the entire coaching staff and administration. The parent needs to be educated and coached just as their child is in the program. This is certainly a sensitive issue as no program wants to lose a student, however, if the issue cannot be resolved amicably it will almost assuredly create a toxic environment. In this instance, it may be best to part ways with the parent for the sake of everyone involved

Each program should have an established set of rules and regulations in written form that every participating parent should read carefully. By signing they acknowledge they understand and agree to adhere to the terms in the document. It is also advisable for someone in the administrative staff to verbally go through the specifics of the document when the parent enrolls the child. This should help to address any questions regarding the document. And finally, I would suggest even posting the rules and regulations where it is visible to all that enter as a constant reminder. Although the administration staff introduces these policies to the parent, it is usually the coach’s responsibility to enforce the rules and if necessary speak with the child and parents in the event there is a violation of gym policy.

We often hear a parent requesting special or private instruction for their child, and in some cases even suggesting the child be placed in a specific class. These suggestions should always be considered, but not decided by the parent. When this occurs, the coach should have a conversation with the parent explaining the training process and how mobility works in the program. Details should be given about how the student is doing and what factors are taking place in their development. Many times, this communication is effective and the parent will have a better understanding of the training process.

Unfortunately, there will always be the parent that is adamant and not open to the coach’s reasoning. If this happens, it should be addressed immediately and the coach must stand fast to gyms policies for the benefit of all the students and the program. The longer this type of parent is permitted to stay involved with the program, the greater the possibility the parent will bad mouth the program to other parents creating negative drama within the system. It’s like a virus, it can spread and create havoc. It needs to be eliminated!!

There are also those parents who hop from gym to gym assuming the “grass is greener” at the other program. It is apparent that there is not a program that fits the desires of the parent in these situations. And who suffers most? the child!! It always takes time for a child to adjust to a new environment with new coaches and teammates. Even when the staff creates a positive inclusive environment, the student may still have a difficult time building trust and confidence. On the other hand, there may not be a large selection of gyms in a particular area so a parent may try several before finding the right fit for their child. I always suggest this to parents who are asking about competitive programs for their child. There may be several in the area to choose from, so I suggest visiting several to find the right fit. The student needs to feel comfortable with the environment if they are to progress.

I have also found that one way to help prevent parent issues is to not allow the parents to get involved with the operations of the program. Having a Booster Club program is an excellent way to support a program, but should not be involved in any way with the programs instructional operations. A common problem is a parent developing a close friendship with one of the coaches or owner. Favoritism will almost assuredly create a corrosive competitive environment between parents and students, and should be avoided at all costs. Every program should have a staff policy not allowing any fraternization with parents. In addition, the parent viewing area should be monitored as closely as possible. We all know that some serious drama can occur in these areas. Some gyms have even eliminated the viewing area for this specific reason. I personally believe the gym should have an area where the parent can view their child, especially in non-competitive environments. They are paying for a service as well as wanting to make sure their child is receiving the attention they expect (refer to Class Structure).

The financial success of any program is dependent on student enrollment. Since it is the parent who is paying for the instruction, we depend on their support and want to retain them as long as possible. If the program is managed well with an experienced and positive staff, the students will thrive and the parents will be happy and satisfied. This will ensure the success of the program. Just remember, all it takes is one disturbed parent to ruin the reputation of a gym. If you see a potential problem with a parent, it needs to be addressed immediately. As uncomfortable as it is, it’s far better to confront the problem head-on and take immediate and drastic action if necessary, rather than allow the problem to escalate and have an adverse affect on the reputation of the program.

I hope you enjoyed this post and hope it helps some in knowing this is a common issue in almost all gym programs. As always, I would love to hear your comments. Also, if there are any subjects you would like me to cover, let me know and I will do my best to post my thoughts. Please Like and Share to all you believe will benefit from the information.

For clinics, seminars, or special events, please contact me at: scottjohnsongymnastics@gmail.com

Tag: Coaching

Cheerleader and Tumbling

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Coaching the Parents

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