A rigid system of training, in so far as skill variations, leads to humorless, mechanical gymnastics routines.  Over-repetition of the same skills in practice leaves no time for creative development and robs the sport of one of its most pleasing aspects both for the gymnast and the spectator.

The Code Crushes Creativity
 In addition to the over-requirement of combinations mandated by the international federation, which leaves little time in a routine for any significant originality, the Code of Points uneven skill valuation further limits creative development.

Each Gymnast Is Like a Snowflake – Unique
 For those coaches who bother to closely examine their gymnasts, instead of control them, they will find an infinite variety of skills, abilities and learning capacity that is just begging to be developed. Further, certain skills and positions look better (even great) on certain body types.  Finally, certain gymnasts just learn certain skills and skill groups better than others.

Unique Skills and Routines For Each Gymnast
 A major goal of the sport and the coach should be the development and creation of unique signature skills and creative, unusual skill combinations for each gymnast.  The ultimate extension of this would be to have a skill named after your gymnast.  While that bears the additional burden of having to reach and perform the skill in International competition, the positive effects of this accomplishment would certainly make it worthwhile.

Originality At Every Level
There is no reason, however, why the same process cannot take place at every competitive level (except the compulsory level, but we will assume your compulsory gymnasts are already training optional skills).  Gymnasts will feel the same sense of pride in their unique, original skills at the lower levels as at the higher levels.

Work Original Skills and Combinations
To develop this kind of enjoyment and learning capacity, first, time must be allocated to the task.  For creative floor skill development, for example, we devote 15 – 20 minutes of time after basic warm-ups to working skill variations.

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