I recently received a series of questions through “Ask John Q&A” that presented some very interesting material for a blog topic. The questions were from George: John, I am a rookie gym coach, but I have coached a lot of athletes in another anaerobic and technical-skill heavy sport. I am also a certified strength and conditioning specialist...

Jun 27, 2011

For a majority of the nations gymnastics clubs the summer presents an ideal time for upgraded training and skill progress. This is of course is referring to the Junior Olympic programs. Our national Elite program hits full swing through the summer months which makes things interesting for those programs that participate in both branches of the USA system. Some...

May 23, 2011

PLANT THE RIGHT SEEDS The human mind has been said to be as fertile as the best kept garden. It has amazing capacity to abundantly grow and flourish in magnificent fashion. All it takes is a passionate gardener and the right seeds. Being fertile and ready for input (seeds) the mind will grow whatever it is you care to plant. It does not care as it only...

Apr 5, 2011

PREPARING FOR REGIONALS AND NATIONALS If you have ever been buried in a hotly contested Level 9-10 Regional Championships you will know what is meant by the meet from hell. No other competition (Ok possibly Olympic Trials) compares to the nerve racking, nail biting, stomach churning, drama that inherently attaches itself to this event. Everything is on the...

Mar 24, 2011

A recent question from a concerned coach from Australia provided the impetus for this blog topic. It seems she has reached the breaking point when it comes to dealing with dishonesty and blatant cheating on gym assignments from some of her integrity thin athletes. As a coach who has had that button pushed far too many times, I have to say I can understand the...

Mar 17, 2011

I have a little down time in between training sessions at the March National Team Training Camp in Houston so I thought I’d finish up on the blog topic dedicated to setting up your elite program. In part one I tried to define what I use as criterion for considering an athlete for the elite program as well as what an elite program actually means. As promised I...