Fundamental Tumbling

The month of June we've been traveling around Canada doing tumbling camp and the one thing we've noticed is the incredible need for improved tumbling technique and better tumbling fundamentals!! From the east coast to the west coast we've seen too many bent arms in handsprings, heads sticking out of handstands, heads being thrown back in tucks and piked bodies in layouts. Those were just some of the more common mistakes, but the message was clear - there is way too much imperfect tumbling in cheerleading today.

Don't get us wrong... as professionals in this industry, and as former team coaches ourselves- we absolutely understand the importance of encouraging athletes to progress and attempt new skills. That being said - there is no bigger hinderance than progressing onto more difficult skills without completely mastering progressions and lower level elements.

What is even more amazing is the resistance of some parents or coaches and athletes to taking two step backwards in order to gain a HUGE leap forwards. The constant need to run before walking in our industry will only lead to more injuries, tumbling blocks and issues with esteems and self confidence. If the athlete is TREMENDOUSLY lucky they might just escape with mangled form and poor execution.

Athletes deserve the right to progress at a rate and pace that is comfortable to them. They must be allowed to fail before they succeed, make mistakes ... and CORRECT them! Kids cannot continue to be pushed through without consequence. They look to us- their teachers, supporters and coaches to guide them in this process.

So the next time you're in a gym coaching or participating - think about the skills you are coaching. How do they look? Are they technically correct? Don't be afraid to take the steps necessary to improve technique and overall form. Not only will you be rewarded with better scores and overall impression at competition - but you will also be able to watch your athletes progress at a rate much faster than possible with compromised technique.