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