Gymnastics Stuff ™: Gymnastics Training Programs, Apparel, Gifts, Books, Articles, Supplies, etc.

Prevent fatigue, irritability, light headedness... Read the about Dehydration.

What is Osteopenia? Better find out if you're daughter is a gymnast.

Gymnastic Apparel, Gymnastic Training Books, Gymnastic Gift, Gymnastic Supplies, Fitness Books,  etc.

Gymnastics Training Article:  Staying on the Balance Beam

By Karen Goeller, CSCS
Published in USA Gymnastics Technique Magazine Nov/Dec 2008, the Magazine of USAG for Pro Members.
This article is not available for reprint in any publications or on any website .

Coaches may post this article in their gymnastics facilities in its entirety, EXACTLY as it is printed from your download.

Download this article for free!

Check out the Gymnastics Drills and Conditioning Books!

Private Gymnastics Training with Karen Goeller

Karen Goeller has been training athletes since 1978. She has an education that includes training in emergency medicine, physical therapy, and nutrition. She has held certifications that include NSCA-CSCS, Fitness Trainer, EMT-D, Nutritional Analysis, and many Gymnastics Certifications among others. Besides being author of the Gymnastics Drills and Conditioning books, Karen is the author of the Swing Set Fitness books. She has also published journals, training programs, and articles. Her books are used by fitness experts, coaches, teachers, and athletes worldwide. Karen has worked for world famous gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi, owned a gymnastics club for ten years, and has been featured in several newspapers and on television many times. She offers sports performance training and private gymnastics training in NJ. For more on Karen visit www.KarenGoeller.com.  

Gymnastics Training Article: Staying on the Balance Beam

By Karen Goeller, CSCS

How do we as gymnastics coaches teach our gymnasts to stay on the beam? If we teach the gymnastic skills correctly our gymnasts will stay on the beam, right? Unfortunately that is not always the case because of the transition between the gymnastic skills. We have all seen gymnasts perform advanced skills correctly and then take a step or set up for the next skill only to lose their balance and fall off the balance beam.

Here are a few suggestions to help keep your gymnasts on the balance beam throughout the routine. With a step out type skill, one that finishes in a lunge position, there are many techniques for remaining steady. One that really works well is to instruct your gymnast to squeeze their thighs together as they are stepping out. This concept is easier to understand if you pretend the gymnast is wearing shorts. If you explain to your gymnast that she should squeeze her upper thighs together, the part of her inner thighs that a pair of shorts would cover, the correction can be made. By squeezing the inner thighs together the gymnast pulls everything back above the center of the beam. She better understands how to bring the leg back to her center, directly above the center of the balance beam. Besides the gymnast becoming tighter, making it easier to keep her balance, squeezing her thighs together immediately helps the gymnast square her hips, which often prevents the flying leg, and allows her to continue with her routine or series. Keep in mind that this technique works best if your gymnast’s toes and eyes are facing the end of the beam upon step out. Try this technique with cartwheels, back walkovers, back handsprings, and layout step outs. You should see how stable your gymnasts become as a result of this simple explanation.

To better correct the hip position regarding remaining square upon step out, you can instruct your gymnast to shift their hip forward or back accordingly. If a gymnast steps down with her right foot first, you would instruct her to slightly pull the left hip forward and right hip back as she is squeezing her thighs together. She should understand how to become square during the step down.  Download this article for free to read the rest of this article!

Click here to View Shopping Cart

Home | Contents | Links | Terms of Svc | Mail Orders

WARNING: Any activity involving motion or height creates the possibility of accidental injury, paralysis or death. The equipment and instructional materials are intended for use ONLY by properly trained and qualified participants under supervised conditions. Use without proper supervision could be DANGEROUS and should NOT be undertaken or permitted. Before using, KNOW YOUR OWN LIMITATIONS and the limitations of the equipment. If in doubt always consult your instructor. Always inspect equipment for loose fittings or damage and test for stability before each use. We will not be liable for injuries or consequences sustained in the use of the instructional materials, supplies, or equipment sold by us.

Copyright © Gymnastics Stuff™

No part of the books, website, advertising, or artwork including the apparel and gift designs may be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter invented without written permission from the author and publisher.

The Gymnastics Stuff Logo is the property of Gymnastics Stuff and may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of Gymnastics Stuff.