University of Georgia Athletics
Suzanne Answers Your Questions
January 05, 2004 | Gymnastics
Jan. 5, 2004
Q: I am a gym owner and coach. I coach levels 4 and 5, and I am having a hard time getting my gymnasts to overcome their fear of the vault table. Do you have any drills or suggestions that might help? Thanks so much for your time. We will be cheering you on Jan. 19 against UCLA...Go Dawgs!
Dawn Boddiford
Statesboro, GA
A: Dear Dawn: In general, progression is the key to overcoming fear and it also establishes a strong foundation in which to build on for the years to come. It is astounding to me how many elite gymnasts are missing the proper progressions for some of the high level skills which they perform and they revert back at the age of 19 or 20. All of a sudden, an athlete won't release the bar to perform a skill which she has competed for 8 years. Out of the clear blue, and athlete will run past the vault over and over again. So, my best advice is not to rush them....progress them at their own individual pace. In terms of specific drills etc., I will forward this to Doug McAvinn, our vaulting coach, for tips you can use in the gym. There are a lot of them.
Thank you for your continued support of the Gymdogs and we will see you on Jan. 19
| |
