The "MACHINE" By John W. Hinds Jr. Gymnastic Coach, Columbus Sr. High School
It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. In the sport of gymnastics there is no doubt but that a gymnast benefits from viewing his work. Since the 'advent of the movie ca mera, gymnastic coaches across the land have used movies a s an important aid in their work. Now with the development of reasona bly inexpensive, yet efficient video-tape recorders a new era is present - instantaneous viewing of one's routine or work. As with the movie camera, there are innumerable ways in which a video-tape recorder may be used as an effective tool for a coach and his gymnasts. However, there is a danger, as with any machine - man must not work for the machine; the machine must work for man. It is therefore the purpose of this article to point out several ways in which the gymnastic coach can use the video-tape machine; not be used by it. In order to make the video-tape recorder work for a coach there are several factors or considerations in its use that should be provided for. These are : availability, mobility, and an operator. Availability - the video-ta pe recorder should be available when needed during practices and meets at a moment's notice. The "machine" should be set up and ready to use at any time gymnasts are working out. Much of the instantaneous value is lost if one has to wait for a certain day of the week to practIce a skill in order to view it. No matter how well planned a practice period may be there will always be the time when Li,., coach may not anticipate the need for use of the video "machine" , but will find its presence and availability the answer. Remember a picture is worth a thousand words. Mobility - a vailability will mea r little if the "machine" is located in a position where it ca nnot focus on the desired event, when needed. To overcome this potential handicap to the effe ctive use 14
of the "machine", it is suggested that the recorder and camera be located on a portable cart with a long extension cord that will permit ease of movement from one area to another when desired. One will also find that a mobile unit ca n be more easily stored. An Operator - as essential as availability and mobility is an operator traine d to use the video- tape recorder. A coach cannot afford to tie himself down to the "machine" every moment it is in use. A trained Video-manager ca n solve this problem for the coach and also prove to be a valuable asset to the gymnasts in the use of the "machine." Conscientious gymnasts soon learn to request video-taping of skills to check themselves independently of the coach. With a video-manager this can be accomplished, freeing the coach to I(coach. "
Assuming tha t the above considerations can be provided for, the video-tape recorder will become an immeasurable tool of the gymnastic coach in a number of ways. It can perform most of the tasks for which the movie camera ha s heretofore been used at a more reasonable price. The tapes can be reused time and again. Also there is not the disadvantage of movie cameras which can only run for a limited time before they have to be rewound or the film changed. This often results in an incomplete filming of a routine. Tapes are available that last for a full hour; thus routines are taped in their entirety. Stop action and slow speed tape recorders can provide for the analysis of individual skills just as slow motion pictures. Even the less expensive better tape recorders can be turned (the reels) by hand to provide slow motion viewing. Video-tapes of meets that have previously occurred can be used in several ways. The entire meet can be viewed by the team at a convenient time with the coach making the necessary comments
as the tape is shown. Or, the coach can preview the meet and add a udio comments to the tape and have the videomanager show the tape. This is the ideal way if the viewing of the tape is carried on during a scheduled practice period since it frees the coach for a more effective use of his time. Also, the majority of the gymnasts may be concurrently engaged in their workouts. The video-manager can call for the gymnasts when their particular event is being shown. From the previewing of the tape the coach can decide how best to conduct his practice, which skills to work to improve, and which gymnasts need special attention. In preparation for meets the "machine" can also be used to show weaknesses in a routine and skills or transitions to work on prior to the meet. The fine points of form will show up and can be improved upon, With the increase in numbers of gymnasts working out the coach can use a video-tape machine to check on the progress of each gymnast and how best he might help them during the next practice. Since a coach cannot possibly check the skills of every gymnast each practice session he can assign certain skills to be performed by specific gymnasts and recorded by the video-manager. Then, at his leisure the coach can check those skills and decide how best to help these gymnasts at the next practice when he is free to work with them. This use of the "machine" can reduce the burden of attempting to work with every gymnast each practcie period yet it still will effectively motivate the gymnast since he knows that the coach will be viewing his work and then working with him the next day. As has been inferred, a coach may use the "machine" during practices to direct the gymnasts' attention to certain skills. For example, the coach can request, while working on a flyaway, that the Video-manager tape several flyaways of a particular gymnast. Then the coach can direct the gymnast to view the tape and note the early release of the hands. Remember "seeing is believing." While the. gymnast is checking out this point the coach can continue to work with another gymnast. Once the gymnast has finished viewing his work he can return and the coach can then resume work with him on the flyaway. In the meantime, however, the coach has been able to help another gymnast and was not tied down to watch the flyaway again and again. Coaches may also use the "machine" to help a gymnast recognize progress during the season. Tapes can be purchased for each gymnast and a running record of his work recorded. As the gymnast views this progressive record , he will soon realize his progress and what skills need improvement. The above descriptions are but a few of the ways in which this coach feels one can most effectively make the videotape recorder work for him. Additional uses may be to show parents, clubs, etc., meets of past days. Video-tape machines can also be used effectively in judging clinics. They can supplement descriptions of deductions for particular faults or for practical experience in judging a routine. A final thought - one should realize that the video-tape recorder is a tool not an end in itself for the gymnastic coach.