Stack Up the Mats to Spot This Skill
Our favorite spot for this skill must be done by stacking mats for the coach to stand on and holding onto the wrist.  Advanced coaches with good spotting experience will wait for the gymnast to jump and knowing the hand will be going to the bar will be able to easily catch the wrist.  Inexperienced coaches may have to hold the wrist lightly starting from the stand on the bar and then tightly when the gymnast catches the bar.

Wrist Spot the Best
While often during spotting, we concentrate on controlling the center of gravity, this is somewhat more awkward in this particular skill and we believe spotting at the wrist is the most desirable spot for this skill.

Spotting Not Always Necessary – Mats Are
We do believe that with proper matting the need for spotting may usually be completely eliminated or limited to the first attempts at each new bar width setting.  We do not believe that any spotter is completely capable of eliminating injuries by just standing under the high bar during the early attempts of this skill without stacked matting both for the gymnast and the coach.

The Safety Summary for Jump to High Bar
So to summarize, gymnasts and coaches should be aware this skill can be dangerous and cause injury.  The jump to low bar kip skill should be thoroughly mastered before attempting the jump to high bar.  Since Level 4 gymnasts no longer do this skill, Level 5 gymnasts should postpone learning the jump to the high bar until they have mastered the jump to the low bar kip.  Mats should be stacked up under the high bar during the learning of this skill at least to a height where the gymnast can just barely swing though with a perfectly straight body.  The bars should be moved in closer when first learning this skill and moved out progressively.  Proper consideration should be given to the best ultimate setting of the bars for each gymnast.

Let’s Make a Better and Safer Future for All Gymnasts
Do yourself and your gymnasts a favor and take a new look at safety measures while teaching and learning this skill.  Special good wishes to Stephanie and Brooke.  Get well soon and good luck on bars in the future.

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