Comments for Tom Forster

Comment on Welcome by Tom Forster

Tom Forster — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:27:09 +0000

Mike - I agree with you. In fact my Level 7 coach was talking to me a couple of weeks ago about this very thing. I agree a great solution would be to require a Tsukahara timer to your back or a Yurchenko timer to your back. Either timer must be performed onto a whale mat set to 115cm.

Level 7 is the precursor to optionals just as Level 4 is to compulsories. The Level 4 vault is handspring timer onto a whale so why not a Tsuk or Yurchenko timer? Sounds logical to me and a viable solution.

Contact the JO committee with your request. You can find their contact information in the R&P that you can find in the usag website under women’s program.

I’m with you on this.

Comment on Welcome by mike

mike — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:22:06 +0000

I have a question about the progression from level 7 vault to level 8 vaults. I know the front handspring teaches alot great technique but I am wondering if at level 7 we should change the vault from a handspring to suke timers or yurchenko timers. I think that if we put mats behind the vault and have the level 7 gymnasts get judged on there timers it would lead to better level 8 vaults. Coaches would be focusing more on training proper timers than front handsprings that really dont need polishing because in level 8 you cant use the front handspring to get a 10 start value unless the gymnast is great a twisting vaults. When I go to level 8 meets I always see scarey sukes and yurchenkos. I think safety wise it would be better for the gymnasts. Just because a gymnasts has a great front handspring doesnt mean they can transfer some of the technique into the level 8 vaults. Most gymnasts by the time they reach level 7 have been doing there front handspring for at least 2 yrs and some more depending how long they are in level 5 or 6. I just think there should be a progession into level 8 vaults. Some coaches have there gymnasts do a suke or yurchenkos before they are ready because a flipping level 8 vault no matter how bad it maybe usually scores better than a front handspring, especially in states. which boggles my mind. What do you think about this suggestion and do think it makes sense? Who could I talk to, to see maybe about maybe changing this vault if it would make sense. Maybe I am missing something about what USA gymnastics wants to accomplish by doing the front handspring 3 yrs in a row.

Comment on Training Bars - Back to Front by Tom

Tom — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:46:07 +0000

Mike - There are so many factors that could be affecting your girls feeling like they are slipping off. I will try to deal with as many factors as I think might be occurring.
1. When learning giants it is imperative for their safety that they tap correctly through the bottom of the swing. An incorrect tap or no tap at all will increase the amount of force on the gymnast at the bottom (where the forces are the greatest) of the giant. A correct tap will reduce the amount of force, thus reducing the feeling of slipping.
2. Can you hand spot the giant? We hand spot a lot in the learning phase for safety, confidence for the gymnast, and manipulating their bodies into the shapes we want them to have. Anything that increases the confidence of the gymnast is likely to help reduce their feeling of slipping.
3. Can you use a strap bar? The strap bar is one of the safest and most efficient ways to teach the giant. The gymnast can focus on the proper techniques without worrying about peeling off.
4. Over gripping. One of the most common errors a gymnast makes when first learning giants is over gripping the bar as they begin to swing downward. This is born out of the notion that they will not peel off if they do. However, this puts their grip in the incorrect position at the bottom of their swing, thus increasing the feeling of slipping off. I correct this by pressing my finger down on their wrist when they begin to swing to prevent them from over gripping.

I hope this helps. Let me know if it does or if you need more ideas.

Comment on Training Bars - Back to Front by mike

mike — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:02:12 +0000

My girls always complain about feeling like they are slipping off. Is there something that can help with this? We dont have a pit so the girls cant just do alot of giants over the pit until they feel safe. We do chalk the bars but it doesnt seem to help that much.

Comment on Training Bars - Back to Front by Tom

Tom — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:37:07 +0000

Thanks Valentin for your comment. Good luck.