As coaches, we often argue: should conditioning go at the start of practice when everyone is fresh, or at the end , after skill work and routines? From what I’ve read — and what I’ve seen — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters most is how you do it, why you’re doing it, and what your athletes need. Here’s how I break it down, with research backing things up, and how I’ve applied it in my gym. What the Research Says HIIT & Technical Accuracy Under Fatigue A recen

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

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