The kip is one of the most commonly trained skills in gymnastics, yet also one that athletes frequently can struggle with. Coaches know the shapes. Athletes know the drills. But even with consistent practice, some gymnasts still can’t make the kip happen. The reason isn’t usually lack of motivation or effort. More often, I have found the athlete simply does not have the specific strength needed to perform what the kip requires. And when we understand the true strength demands

One of the most common questions I get as a coach is: “When should gymnasts move from bodyweight training to weight training?” In gymnastics, shaping and bodyweight control form the foundation of strength. But there comes a time when progressing requires adding resistance beyond an athlete’s own body. The key is knowing when athletes are ready and how to add weights safely. Start with Bodyweight and Shaping Foundations Every gymnast begins with bodyweight strength: push-ups,

( #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

As many of us already know, conditioning can make or break your team’s success. Strong, well-conditioned gymnasts not only learn skills faster but also stay healthier and more confident in the long run. The problem? Most coaches are juggling a lot—lesson plans, rotations, parent emails, meet prep, and about a million other things on their to-do list. Writing out a detailed strength program usually ends up taking a back seat! That’s exactly why I created Raise the Bar strength