WOMEN JS GYMNASTICS
3. teachers lacking training in this sport as well as the confidence to try to teach it anyway even with the aid of books , magazines and films. 4. an unappreciative administration regarding girls athletics. These realistic situations are dis couraging but they need not stand in the way of providing a program in a sport that is gaining overwhelming popularity with girls as well as gaining national respect for characteristics of fitness and elegance. The most important factor in introducing any program is ENTHUSI.AM FOR THE ACTIVITY, not facility, equipment or extensive training. If one is enthusiastic it is possible to eventually get these other things. Rome was not built in one day.
Report by Terry Sendgraff
HOW TO START A GIRLS GYMNASTICS PROGRAM The ideal situation is to have:
1. 2.
a beautiful facility a complete set or two of gymnastic
equipment for girls - a balance beam, uneven parallel bars, vaulting horse and free exercise and two or three overhead safety mechanics. 3. a competent teacher with a background in dance and gymnastics. 4. students with early dance and acrobatic training who are willing to make sacrifices and work hard.
1. The teacher, coach or sponsor should acquaint herself with basic activities of gymnastics through books, magazines, films, clinics, summer camps, and other gymnastic programs in nearby regions.
2. Start with a small nucleus of girls inspire them with a well planned fundamental program of tumbling and free exercise in which they can find a measure of success and self-confidence with an opportunity to demonstrate their accomplish ment when they are ready to make a good .presentation. 3. Set up requirements of gymnastic attire regular attendance, sportsmanlike behavior and good work habits. Expect and demand reasonable but challenging results. Children as well as adults will become more involved and more interested if they know that someone cares and expects accomplishments. A fundamental program
1. Begin each session with a warm up routine, preferablyw1thmusic that is lively and fun and movements that are simple but active enough to warm up the entire body generally.
Being very realistic however, the following situations usually exist:
1. a facility that is shared most of the time with other groups and other activities. 2. little or no equipment.
2. Follow the warm up with an organized tumbling session, teaching the following 12 fundamental skills: -20-
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