Because gymnastics is somewhat a “political” sport in terms of the scores gymnasts receive because of their team’s reputation, coaches must take this into consideration in their plans to improve their team and to offer their gymnasts as “fair” and advantageous competition situation as possible.

Gymnasts Need To Compete at Their “Natural” Level
 Some coaches attempt to do this by holding gymnasts back who deserve to compete at a higher level.  This is not what we are advocating.  Gymnasts deserve and will only truly benefit from competing at their “natural” level.  An no one is going to be impressed for long with a team that cannot move gymnasts up to higher levels.

Concentrate on Optional Gymnastics Development
 The need to concentrate on developing optional skills in the gym is the primary function of the coach and coaching system.  Compulsory competition level skills can only be a small part of the development of successful team program. 

Begin Optional Development Up to Two Years in Advance
 The safe development of optional skills means coaches and gymnasts should begin working skills up to two years before they plan to use them.

Implement an Optional Development Program
 Strength and skill training programs like the 10.0 Program, TOPS or STEP should be implemented in team training programs at the earliest ages.  The importance of strength and flexibility in developing a gymnast and team cannot be overemphasized.

First Build Team Strength
 If you have trained your gymnasts correctly, preparing them physically and with the proper skills, then you are ready to utilize that preparation in the development of your team’s competitive reputation.

Be Prepared to Win in the Beginning of the Season
 In September or in the month or so before your competitive begins, schedule 1 – 2 unofficial in-gym competitions with judges.  Gymnasts should score a 35.00 to 36.00 All-Around in the level they intend to compete before they should be allowed to represent your team in competition.  Gymnasts can and should be training for higher levels even if they are competing at a lower level.

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