Guided hands-on spotting practice. Gain practical experience in safely and effectively spotting a range of foundational gymnastics skills under the guidance of an experienced spotter. Ideal for coaches working with recreational-level gymnasts.
Vault: basic vaulting skills
Uneven Bars: Pullovers, Back Hip Circles, Swings and Regrips, Squat-Ons
Balance Beam: Handstands, Cartwheels
Floor: Cartwheels, Back Walkovers, Front Walkovers, Backward Rolls, Handstands, Back Handsprings
Space in this session is limited! Reserve your spot by signing up at the Congress registration desk beginning Thursday at 11:00 a.m.
Session attendees aged 18+ must be U110 SafeSport Trained to participate in hands-on spotting activities.
The panel mat remains one of the most essential—and affordable—pieces of equipment in our gyms. In this lecture, I will explore its versatility and effectiveness in skill development, using photos and videos to demonstrate its many, many applications. When resources are limited, creativity and efficiency become key. The panel mat is a perfect example of how the most basic equipment in our gyms can yield the best results.
For some children, bars are the highlight of their gymnastics experience—while for others, they’re a source of fear and discomfort. In preschool, improper spotting can leave a child physically uncomfortable and emotionally hesitant to try again. At the same time, teachers may face size or strength mismatches, especially when working with larger school-age students.
This lecture addresses the challenge of keeping both students and instructors safe, confident, and enthusiastic. Using vivid photos, videos, and props, we’ll explore a fresh approach to teaching on bars—one that prioritizes progressive skill-building and reduces the need for constant hands-on spotting. Learn to break down skills into smaller, achievable steps, and make bar time a positive, empowering experience for every child.