Coaching Large Gymnastics Groups: Tips to Keep Big Practices Organized and Engaged

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 heavily on systems and keep all of the information in shared Google Sheets, Google Docs, and frequent virtual coaches’ meetings to ensure everyone on staff knows the plan, and I can quickly adjust rotations, assignments, or drills if something changes and will continue to update in the shared documents. 

Preparation keeps coaches on the same page and helps athletes know what to expect, which cuts down on confusion and wasted time.

While the virtual plans are great for big ideas to share with all of the coaching staff. For all my groups and the initial planning I always start with writing everything down and it is way easier to organize my thoughts and to see it all out on paper. 

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2. Set Clear Expectations

Large groups thrive when boundaries and expectations are clear. Before practice starts, I remind athletes what behavior I expect, whether it’s how they line up, how to rotate through stations, or how to encourage teammates. When everyone knows the rules, I spend less time correcting and more time coaching.

3. Use Different Practice Structures

If you haven’t already, check out my blog post on the 5 Types of Practice Structures (All Together, Spotted Lines, Timed Stations, Present/Show, Circuits). With large groups, variety is key. Some days circuits are best for keeping everyone moving; other days, timed stations keep rotations efficient. Mixing structures helps prevent long lines and keeps athletes engaged.

4. Reflect and Redo

After a practice with a new structure, I take a few minutes to reflect: What worked? Where did we lose time? Were athletes engaged? Then I use that feedback to adjust the next practice. Big groups make it obvious when something isn’t working, so instead of being frustrated, I use those moments as a learning tool. Also remind yourself it does take a few times to build a consistent schedule and system within your practice, I always anticipate the first day to be slightly chaotic as we are learning. But after a week or two I always try to review and make adjustments. 

5. Always Have a Backup Plan

Things happen.  That’s when it’s important to think on your feet. I always keep a few “go-to” group activities that the athletes know how to do together, like warm-ups they know, shaping circuits, or dance-throughs. These quick resets help me regroup the team, get energy back on track, and keep practice moving without losing the group. I would even go as far as to write these down if you feel that would be helpful. What are 3 backup plans you have for each event?

Final Thoughts

Running a large group practice doesn’t have to be chaotic. With preparation, flexibility, and the right structures, you can turn even the busiest sessions into efficient, positive experiences for both athletes and coaches. Remember, big groups are an opportunity. They create a great team bond and set your team culture and the chance for athletes to learn not only from you, but from each other.