SETTING UP YOUR ELITE GYMNASTICS PROGRAM

SETTING UP YOUR ELITE PROGRAM

A recent question regarding the suggested number of training hours for a potential elite athlete has kindled this blog topic. This is a topic that requires great consideration more so due to defining “ELITE ATHLETE” and “ELITE PROGRAM” than the actual determination of how much actual training time is needed.

What is an elite athlete? What does it take to realize even minimal success at the top of the worlds most difficult and challenging sport? I have had the pleasure of coaching a few “elite athletes” but I have had hoards of talented gymnasts that we didn’t even consider for selection. I believe the reason that our program has not produced greater numbers at the elite level has much more to do with our selection process and definition of “elite” than ability to attain the goal. We simply do not encourage athletes to pursue the rigors of elite gymnastics unless ALL the tools are present. 3 of our main considerations are:

• Talent- Obviously this is a given. In order to become a successful elite athlete you must have been at the front of gene pool line when talent was handed out. In essence elite athletes are born then directed rather than directed then born. Degrees of talent are certainly a consideration also. Many good athletes possess strong characteristics in some areas. They may be very fast, or agile and coordinated. They may be flexible, ballistic, powerful, they may have good air sense or alignment. An ELITE ATHLETE has all these tools in their toolbox. Being deficient in several of these areas would only lead to eventual frustration in the elite world (you can’t fight a war with one gun, you need an arsenal!)

• Mental Toughness- Athletes can be fairly successful using pure athletic ability until they reach the pinnacle level of gymnastics. Mental toughness at the elite level is essential not only in competition where it is most commonly noted, but throughout the everyday training regiment as well. Weak minds will find excuses to fail or slack off. Weak minds succumb to pressure and negative self talk. Elite Athletes have that inner drive that prevents them from traveling the easy road. Are they immune to the inevitable frustrations of the sport? … absolutely not! But they have the inner strength to work through the tough times, to block out the distractions and to stay focused on their ultimate goal.

• Work Ethic- The parade of talented athletes that grace our gyms over the years is quite impressive. So many have the talent capable of making a mark in the international gymnastics world BUT few possess the desire to fully maximize their potential through hard work. There isn’t any secret to success in any of life’s endeavors. It takes the willingness to work at it. The top 10% of gymnasts all have talent but it is those that relentlessly push their limits (both physically and mentally) that separate themselves from the pack.

All to often I see coaches or hear them boasting of the upcoming elite(s) that they are training. I love the enthusiasm and passion to pursue the sport at it’s ultimate level but caution all to carefully consider the above aspects prior to putting a kid in a sure fail situation. If your assessment reveals TALENT, MENTAL TOUGHNESS and the WILLINGNESS to WORK then by all means proceed full speed ahead. If your candidates are weak/wimpy, balk at increasing hours or fulfilling work requirements, if they cry when conditioning or stretching (irrationally), then I suggest you keep them happy in the user friendly Junior Olympic Program.

Next you must consider what is an elite program? Simply supplementing the training of a talented athlete is not a program. You not only need a system for development but also a crystal clear understanding as to what is involved from a program standpoint when it comes to training an elite. Things to consider up front are:

• Management Commitment- The financial investment required to train an elite athlete is often underestimated. Ownership and management of your gym has to be on board from the start with the realization that high level precision training costs money (it seldom if ever makes money). The reduced training ratios that are required in order to provide detailed training can put a strain of staffing situation and the finances of the gym. Travel obligations (competitions, training camps, congresses, and clinics) usually means one coach traveling with one or two elites thus leaving large holes to cover back at the gym. Equipment will need to constantly upgraded to provide the best safety and opportunity for success. The investment is significant.

• Personal Coach Passion- Having the knowledge to produce elite athletes is one thing but being able to personally commit to the extensive hours required to produce real results is something that few truly understand. As a personal coach are you willing to sacrifice personal and family time? Are you willing to give up your weekends, holiday breaks and summers? Are you willing to sacrifice financial gain? Are you willing to plan, plan, plan? Are you willing to endure the frustrations along with your athlete (and believe me their will be many)? Can you handle the meticulous details and countless repetitions needed to hone and polish every skill?

• Staff Support- Few consider the impact that training elites can have on your entire program. I am not referring to the potential for in house jealousy but more so as to who is going to hold down the fort while you are away? Prior to entering a commitment with a few fruitful and motivated potential elites, be sure to have all your ducks in a row. If cloning where possible that would be the answer but short of this scientific breakthrough you will need to train your underlings to handle more gym/team responsibilities. I have seen well intentioned and deserving coaches basically run their programs into the ground in quest of the elusive elite accomplishment. They simply didn’t have a staff to support the idea and thus their lower level base disappeared and the domino effect ensued…. less kids, no feeder program … no financial stability …. no gym.

• Parental Support- Yeh I know, who needs parents right? YOU DO! Besides the obvious financial commitment it will require on the part of the family, the athlete will need strong and supportive parental units in order to survive the elite process. They are the most stable source of support your athletes have. Having parents that are on your TEAM will only serve to foster a great experience for all. If you have parents that are negative, unsupportive, uncooperative or just plain pains in the asses, forgo the elite idea PERIOD, PLAIN and SIMPLE! With non supportive parents you will be investing time, energy and money into a no win situation. Get your parents on board, treat them as part of your team and you will be far ahead of the game.

Once again my blog idea has taken up more space than allotted. Stay tuned for part 2 of SETTING UP YOUR ELITE PROGRAM where I will break down our program hour by hour (I think that was the original question anyway). This by no means is an indication that we have all the answers but I often find it quite interesting to see how others use their time.

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