Coaching Tips

When I first decided to launch a TOPs (Talent Opportunity Program) for gymnastics, my goal was to create something that challenged athletes without overwhelming them. It’s easy to get caught up in the intensity of high-level training, but the demands of a TOPs program can be a lot — especially for athletes under the age of 10. Over time, I’ve learned that starting intentionally and building slowly is the key to creating a sustainable program. Here’s how I built our gymnastics

Injuries are one of the toughest challenges for gymnasts—especially at the optional level. These athletes are used to long hours, steady progress, and chasing big goals. When an injury forces them to step back, it can feel frustrating and isolating. As coaches, we play a crucial role in helping injured gymnasts stay connected, productive, and positive throughout recovery. Here are six strategies to keep athletes engaged during practice, even when they can’t train at full capa

A strong gymnastics warm-up does more than just “get the body moving.” For gymnasts, it sets the tone for practice, reduces injury risk, and prepares athletes’ bodies for the exact demands of the sport. While every coach has their own style, there are three non-negotiables I always include in our warm-ups: 1. Active Flexibility Static stretching has its place, but gymnastics requires movement through ranges of motion, not just holding a position. Active flexibility drills—lik

Pre-season is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s the perfect opportunity to focus on foundations, build strength, and set the tone for the upcoming competitive season. Every year, I refine my focus based on what my athletes need most. This year, these are the five main areas I’m prioritizing in our training. 1. Handstand Shaping You can never do too many handstands. They’re the foundation of nearly every skill in gymnastics, across every event. It’s not just about hol

Coaching a large group of athletes can be one of the biggest challenges in gymnastics. With so many different personalities, skill levels, and attention spans in one group, it can feel overwhelming. I’ve learned that it is possible but it is more it’s about being prepared, and adaptable. Here are my top strategies for running smooth practices with large gymnastics groups: 1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare The more athletes you have, the less room there is for “winging it.” I rely

( #5 Might just be the most important one) One of the best tools I have been able to use as a coach is being able to adapt and change the way practice is structured. The same exact lesson plan can feel engaging, chaotic, or productive depending on how it is organized. Over the years, I’ve used many different structures and set ups. The key is knowing when and how to use different formats to get the most out of your athletes. I have put together five types of practice structur

Okay, let me start by saying… if you ever get the chance to take on 15 pre-team kids at once, don’t. But seriously—when the first group of athletes I coached reached Level 8–10, it was time to start fresh with a new group. We had moved gyms and finally had the staff and space to build something from the ground up. My first thought? The more, the merrier!  So, we held a big team tryout and selected 15 little gymnasts who were eager to join our newest pre-team group. Looking ba

If you’ve ever been at a Level 8–10 vault rotation during a meet warm up, I’m pretty sure you know the definition of stress. One athlete needs a spot, another is doing a timer, you're scrambling to get the vault table height adjusted, figuring out vault types, resi mat in or out... Do we land on a 4-incher? An 8-incher? And let’s not forget about the littles! They can’t remember where to run from, what order they go in, or, fingers crossed that they even remember they need to

Parent communication can be tricky. There are usually only a handful of coaches, a lot of kids, and even more parent questions. One of the biggest things that has helped me is having systems in place to ensure clear communication and expectations—so everyone stays on the same page. A system I’ve used for years is what I call our Stoplight Sheets . One of the most common (and often controversial) topics every season is deciding which athletes are ready to move up a level and w

As a gymnastics coach, I’m always striving to improve my knowledge for my athletes. Great coaching goes beyond drills and conditioning. It’s about understanding people, particularly the young athletes we work with every day. My goal is to constantly learn how to guide them physically, mentally, and emotionally. Essential Reading for Coaches Here are five books for gymnastics coaches that have made a lasting impact on how I approach coaching. Whether you’re new or experienced,