Visit the National Trade Show Hall to chat with vendors and check out the latest products and services in the industry, including equipment, apparel, technology, and more!
Visit the National Trade Show Hall to chat with vendors and check out the latest products and services in the industry, including equipment, apparel, technology, and more!
Nutrition and sleep are often taken for granted by young athletes and even by their parents. This lecture defines the vital importance of prioritizing the three most important components affecting performance.
This session covers a structured, science-based approach to athletic training designed to enhance performance and safety. By applying scientific principles, this method helps develop great athletes while minimizing the risk of injury. The presentation includes a step-by-step lecture format, supported by multiple handouts, guiding participants in creating effective and personalized training plans.
Analysis of available research of Achilles tears and its application to our athletes!
This lecture will cover general strength and specific Still Rings strength that gymnasts should incorporate to develop the foundation necessary for strong ring skills, while minimizing the risk of common shoulder and elbow injuries. Designed for athletes in Levels 6-10, this session will offer practical guidance for safely advancing strength without compromising joint health.
Coaching with high standards is essential for athlete success, but how can coaches push athletes to excel without crossing the line into harmful behaviors? This workshop delves into the fine line between acceptable demanding practices and demeaning coaching. Participants will explore effective strategies to challenge athletes while avoiding pitfalls like defensiveness, attention-seeking actions, and biting commentary. Learn to maintain high expectations with professionalism, foster trust and respect, and create a positive environment where athletes thrive under constructive, inspiring leadership.
The growth of your program depends on your coaches. Coaches nurture the conditions that help preschoolers and their families to feel connected, confident and excited to learn in the gym. However, many coaches lack the preparedness in key practices for developing early childhood gymnasts on the floor. How do we support the coaches of our youngest gymnasts? We’ll unpack that in this session.
An examination of evolving customer preferences, market conditions, industry innovations, and much more. Knowledge is power! POSITION YOURSELF FOR MAXIMUM SUCCESS with these valuable insights.
Let’s make them love bars from the start! Shapes, strength and FUN are a must!
It’s our job to make learning interesting! It’s easy to overcomplicate how to do this, getting carried away or fooling ourselves into believing that only big, epic changes to the lesson plan will be enough to re-engage your class. But in reality, that’s overkill – and wildly impractical. In fact, it’s often the smallest changes that have the biggest impact. We’ll hone this skill by playing a game with real time stations from the gym!
An immersive and highly interactive lecture exploring the mechanics and expression of body motion. This session delves into joint mobility, strength, and flexibility patterns—highlighting how these elements underpin both functional movement and choreographic design. Bridging the gap between artistry and medical science, the lecture features live demonstrations and direct engagement with coaches to analyze and apply movement principles in real time. Ideal for coaches of all disciplines seeking a deeper understanding of the body’s capabilities through both scientific insight and creative exploration.
This presentation focuses on concussion in gymnastics, from the injury onset to the return to play continuum.
Covering Handspring Front, Tsukahara, Yurchenko and Half-On.
A look at the science behind a phasic strength program and how to begin implementation into your existing program or plan for a complete overhaul. We will discuss training phases and the scientific principles for selecting exercises based on time of year. Begin to recognize specific areas of need within and individual or your program at large. Understand how to select appropriate exercises and learn to modify and advance any exercise as needed.
This session equips coaches and club owners with strategies to create a safe, supportive, and trusting atmosphere in the gym. By understanding the impact of stress and trauma on athletes, coaches will learn how to foster an environment where gymnasts feel secure to take risks, make mistakes, and thrive. Participants will learn to identify the key factors that contribute to psychological safety and how they affect athlete performance and well-being; gain strategies to recognize and respond to gymnasts’ emotional and psychological needs to create a supportive gym environment; and explore techniques for building trust and ensuring gymnasts feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and making mistakes without fear of judgment.
In this interactive session, we’ll start with a fun deconstruction game and then we’ll focus on sharpening our coaching techniques by identifying the critical component that’s holding an athlete back—and learning how to correct it for real progress. This session is specifically geared toward instructors of Preschool and School Age recreational classes, with practical, hands-on strategies you can take straight to the gym.
Hiring and retaining great staff is the cornerstone of successful gym ownership. Our focus should always be on choosing the right people, training them well, and creating an environment where they feel valued and motivated. In our industry, we don’t just sell products or services—we sell good feelings. How we communicate this to new team members can determine whether they see this as a short-term job or a long-term career.
In this session, I’ll share proven, industry-specific systems for hiring, training, and leading staff—tools that go beyond what a quick online search can offer. We’ll also explore the concept of servant leadership and how to apply it throughout every stage of an employee’s journey.
One key takeaway: Don’t just hire the most qualified candidate—hire someone qualified whose lifestyle truly fits the role.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies they can implement right away.
This lecture offers a fresh perspective on class management by addressing both general scenarios and specific behaviors. Coaches will gain practical, actionable strategies that can be applied across all program structures, ages, and skill levels.
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.
Fear can feel like an immovable wall for gymnasts—whether it’s a balk on a skill, hesitation on a new routine, or a fear that quietly grows over time. These blocks don’t just stop progress; they shake confidence and create frustration for both athletes and coaches. But what if fear wasn’t the enemy, but something that could build strength?
In this session, you’ll learn why fear happens, how to approach it with the mental tools to help gymnasts transform hesitation into bravery. Explore actionable techniques to rebuild trust in their abilities, unlock their potential, and keep them moving forward. Walk away equipped to turn fear into focus and progress, ensuring your athletes perform with courage and confidence when it matters most!
All the building blocks for outstanding bars.
Rhythm/Tempo, Stop, Concentration Pause: Evaluating all Connections on Balance Beam.
How are you showing up to practice? Are you tired? Mentally overwhelmed? Physically exhausted? Hungry? Now ask yourself, “If any of my athletes showed up like this, what would I say to them?” As a coach, you are responsible for more than just showing up. You are responsible for modeling overall wellness for all of your athletes. In this lecture you will find peace of mind and a path to your own wellness journey.
Did you know we have 8 senses? 1 in every 6 children experience sensory differences and 5 -16% of individuals have a sensory processing disorder – meaning this impacts their daily interaction with the world.
What they are, and how we can help. Gymnastics has natural strategies to help or escalate sensitivities. Learn how to identify and use simple strategies to help children regulate.
Leadership – the skill of inspiring others to voluntarily give excellence – is the MOTHER of all business skills. Turning everyday people into great employees who work in harmony with the needs of your business requires a special touch. For decades, Kids First Sports Center has made leadership a high priority and this session discusses the critical lessons we have learned along the way. We do things differently so expect surprises.
Stations and set ups to safely teach and perfect this popular skill to tumblers and gymnasts. This lecture would be best suited for a hands on lecture with athletes whenever possible!
Guided hands-on spotting practice. Gain practical experience in safely and effectively spotting core skills under the guidance of an experienced spotter. Ideal for coaches working with preteam and entry-level competitive gymnasts.
Uneven Bars: Kips
Beam: Cartwheels, Handstands, Back Walkovers, Cartwheel Side Handstand Dismounts
Floor: Front Handsprings, 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.
Incorporating wrist injury prevention into an already packed training schedule can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This presentation covers essential topics to revolutionize how you approach wrist health, including:
Most athletes overlook how to properly load and condition the wrist—this needs to change. With these practical tools, you’ll not only reduce pain but also build a safer, more resilient gym environment. Together, we can eliminate gymnast wrist for good!
Mastering circles for high-level skill development on uneven bars.
How to incorporate dance, movement and fun drills to make athletes more comfortable and fearless moving on the beam. Teach outside the compulsory text to make your compulsory athlete ready for the next level and have fun doing it!
Learn to transform your basic gymnastics equipment to different worlds of Ninja!
Overview of the HUGS program, starting a program & getting involved in competitions.
This session provides an overview of basic mental health knowledge, coping skills in dealing with difficult situations, and positive self care to help judges stay healthier and happier. Participantes will learn skills and activities to navigate the world of gymnastics in a healthy way.
Coaching preschool children presents its own challenges in the gymnastics environment. In order to effectively teach young children, it is important to understand their developmental stages and how those stages affect behavior as well as cognitive understanding. In this session we will cover the following topics and how they relate to effective communication with preschoolers:
Explore innovative strategies to drive growth in your gymnastics gym. This session will focus on diversifying your program offerings to attract new customers, using digital marketing techniques to expand your reach, and integrating technology to streamline operations. Gain insights from real-life case studies and learn how to implement these strategies to scale your gym’s success.
Often we are faced with limited resources, small budget, shared space, restricted storage or a mobile tumbling program with less than ideal cargo capacity. If I can only have these particular items, how many different ways can I use them, how many different directions, what variety of gymnastics body positions, and how many people can I keep busy at the same time?
Discover the newest innovations in mats and training devices transforming the gymnastics industry. This engaging lecture will explore how cutting-edge equipment can be effectively integrated into recreational gymnastics programs to enhance skill development, improve safety, and keep classes fun and exciting.
Guided hands-on spotting practice. Gain practical experience in safely and effectively spotting key skills and connections under the guidance of an experienced spotter. Ideal for coaches working with preteam and competitive-level gymnasts.
Uneven Bars: Clear Hips
Floor: Round-off Back Handspring series; Front Tucks, Front Handspring-Front Tuck
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.
Gymnasts often face a unique blend of internal and external pressures—from their own drive for perfection and self-doubt to the expectations of coaches, parents, teammates, and judges. This session explores how these pressures intersect and provides actionable tools to help athletes navigate them effectively. Attendees will learn strategies for cultivating self-confidence, setting healthy boundaries, and managing expectations without compromising performance or well-being. Whether you’re a gymnast, coach, or parent, this session will equip you with techniques to turn pressure into a tool for growth.
Drills that lead to stronger skills and make progressions work together.
Going through the steps of the Khorkina (Markelov), Tkatchev and Double Layout dismount from the beginning drills to the finished product.
A breakdown of how to go through a tryout and selection process for your Boys Team. What a testing event should include, what to look for upon selection, and how to market to potential team members.
Every gym has a training system. It may be as simple as “shadowing” or as complex as their own “university” with videos, seminars and interactivity. But most of our methods involve a “talking head” (presenter) or “firehose” training, blasting the trainee with information important in building their skill level and loyalty. And often we’re disappointed when that information is used for a week and then forgotten as the trainee lapses back into their comfortable default settings.
This session addresses the science and psychology of making learning “stick”, long term, featuring newer, proven ways to ingrain essential education in the minds of our trainees and even longtime staff. And here’s the triple-whammy: It not only applies to training staff, but will help us create more effective education for our students and even ourselves.
Hyper-specific plans for new coaches, and flexible ones for coaches ready for freedom. Learn these two structures to master your rotation schedules and crush your quality control.
Reaching beyond simple drills and games, this course provides a better understanding of the process of learning. Topics covered include the developmental stages of self-perception, levels of thought, learning styles, motor learning, motor development and the theory of muscle memory, as well as understanding the Autism spectrum and other special needs. Perfect for preschool, recreational, developmental coaches, directors, owners and team coaches.
Pre-Registration Required. Click Here to Register!
Rise and Shine! Begin the day with a rejunvenating morning stretch session led by Annette Robert-Koerth. Awaken your body, mind and spirit in preparation for an invigorating day of learning and professional growth!
Visit the National Trade Show Hall to chat with vendors and check out the latest products and services in the industry, including equipment, apparel, technology, and more!
Guided hands-on spotting practice. Gain practical experience in safely and effectively spotting key skills and connections under the guidance of an experienced spotter. Ideal for coaches working with competitive-level gymnasts.
Uneven Bars: Flyaways
Beam: Acro series: Back Walkover-Back Handspring; BHS-BHS; BHS-Layout
Floor: Front Tucks; Standing Back Tucks; Aerials
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.
Nutrition in gymnastics has long been a very stigmatized topic that many in the community are afraid to talk about and for many decades, the only times nutrition was discussed for a gymnast was if there was some sort of “problem”. As a result of years of research and practice, it is now known that nutrition is an essential component of building strong, resilient, happy, healthy, high performing gymnasts. Learn about a positive food culture and how to create one in their gym, gain an understanding of sports nutrition basics for gymnasts, understand the role of the coach in nutrition conversations, walk away with conversation starters to have conversations about fueling with parents and/or athletes that are within their scope, and take home strategies to make fueling for performance a priority in your gym.
This presentation explores the physics of twisting through engaging kinesthetic and visual-spatial demonstrations – no mathematics required! We will dispel common misconceptions about the mechanics of twisting and provide fundamental insights into how to teach and execute twisting safely and effectively. The session will cover the different types of twisting, including their physical characteristics, how to identify which type a gymnast is using, their limitations, and potential hazards. It will also explore the question of which type of twisting is considered “correct.” The presentation will introduce kinesthetic and visual-spatial mnemonic devices to support better understanding and instruction. We will identify possible errors in our current approaches to teaching and performing twisting and, if time permits, the lecture will conclude with a discussion of drills designed to help gymnasts master specific types of twisting both generally and across multiple events.
This session focuses on the technical skills, training methods, and strategic ideas necessary for success in optional level vaulting. In-depth guidance will be provided to help coaches refine technique, improve performance, and implement advanced training strategies specific to high-level vaulting.
A brief overview of key points for developing pommel horse from preschool aged recreational classes through higher level compulsory gymnasts. Focus on easy and fun stations, critical shapes and movements, and how to make it fun.
In this session, coaches will explore the nutritional differences between themselves and competitive gymnasts at various ages and stages of development. Attendees will learn key strategies for communicating about nutrition in a way that promotes a positive, supportive environment around fueling—both for themselves and their athletes. Coaches will gain practical tips to manage their own nutrition amidst busy schedules, stress, and nerves, offering solutions for staying fueled while constantly on the go. These strategies will not only benefit coaches but can also be applied to help gymnasts maintain healthy eating habits in their own hectic routines.
This lecture will showcase over a dozen station and circuit setups, offering practical examples to make them more intuitive for gymnasts. In addition to providing coaches with a variety of creative setups, we will critically analyze each one, exploring small but impactful adjustments that can enhance class management and promote gymnast independence.
What’s the difference between SHADOWING, ASSISTING, and LEADING classes for New Coaches? This lecture includes three done-for-you worksheets that are guaranteed to give your coaches the structure they need to learn, grow, and conquer their training.
Even at the beginner level, beam is more than just a test of balance — it’s a place where gymnasts can develop confidence & character that will carry far beyond the gym. Beam is a fantastic teacher with lessons about courage, perseverance, focus, resilience and so much more. With the right words, a coach can turn a “same old” beam rotation into an empowering experience for gymnasts, no matter their level. In this session, you’ll learn a simple but powerful praise technique that will reinforce the best lessons that beam has to offer. We’re going to focus on preschool & rec beam as we practice this technique together, though it’s an amazing tool for even the most advanced coaches to learn, so that we can support our gymnasts’ growth to their fullest potential on beam, in the gym, and beyond!
Guided hands-on spotting practice. Gain practical experience in safely and effectively spotting key skills and connections under the guidance of an experienced spotter. Ideal for coaches working with competitive-level gymnasts.
Uneven Bars: Low Bar Giants
Floor: Round-off, Back Handspring, Back Tuck & Beyond (Layout, Twisting)
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.
This lecture explores how a coach’s personal beliefs and inspirations shape their approach and effectiveness. We’ll examine the science behind motivation and peak performance, uncovering what drives athletes to excel both mentally and physically. With this foundation, we’ll develop practical, research-backed strategies to boost motivation and effort in athletes, helping coaches foster an environment where individuals are empowered to thrive, persist through challenges, and reach their full potential.
This lecture will cover Level 3-5 and Silver-Platinum Bars; specifically how to teach kips and casts. If we teach these skills correctly from the start, the athletes will turn into great upper level gymnasts. Lots of times, Bars is the event that makes or breaks a gymnast. Let’s work together to give athletes all the tools they need to be successful on Bars.
In this lecture I cover the importance of mastering a forward handstand before asking athletes to try moving backwards through that shape in their back walkover and back handspring. I cover eye pathway importance: keeping eyes on the beam, watching feet land. I also cover how to build a strong and controlled handstand forward and backwards on the floor, on floor beams and regulation height beams.
This session provides club owners and coaches with practical strategies to build a high-performance culture that not only drives exceptional athletic results but also prioritizes athlete well-being. Attendees will explore the core elements that define a high-performance environment and how these contribute to both individual success and overall club achievement. They’ll learn actionable strategies to foster a culture of excellence grounded in motivation, accountability, and continuous improvement. The session will also highlight ways to integrate well-being practices into training programs to help athletes sustain peak performance over the long term.
What is your judging process? Identifying a consistent “process” to determine the Start Value and ultimately the Score, specifically working with Uneven Bar routines.
The rates are increasing for children labeled with a special need and concerns rise for those undiagnosed. Do you have questions? Learn about the most prevalent diagnosis, what those acronyms mean, and bring your questions.
Diversity & Inclusion is more than representation—it’s the starting point for meaningful awareness and bold action. This session will push past surface-level inclusion and equip you with real strategies to transform your programs, facilities and staff.
As teachers of young children, it is important that we understand the critical developmental stages they grow through in their formative years, and the impact we have on them as their instructors. In this lecture we will discuss how to properly teach them taking their developmental aptitude into account. This session is appropriate for instructors of preschool and school age children of all levels.
This presentation delves into how gym owners and managers can elevate their employees’ investment in their job positions. It provides valuable ideas and suggestions for rewarding and motivating your team. Additionally, the presentation will foster an open discussion for attendees to share their experiences and insights.
Drills and games to play during your vault rotation that have nothing to do with going over the table! Fast paced and fun vault activities to build speed and confidence
This session will focus on spotting and correcting common errors in the text of the compulsory floor routines.
This lecture explores the physical and developmental changes gymnasts experience, with a focus on injury management and recovery. Attendees will learn to distinguish between normal and concerning patterns in gymnast growth and development, understand the critical role nutrition plays in both injury prevention and healing, and gain strategies to support injured gymnasts through physical changes. The session emphasizes creating a positive, supportive return-to-sport experience that aligns with healthy growth and long-term athlete development.
Beam and floor connections from a judge’s and a coach’s perspective. The judge will judge it, and the coach will provide drills to fix it!
Helping your athletes deal with the scary feeling part of the cast that stops them from progressing.
Twisting concepts from beginner to advanced for front and back twisting.
Who handles the unusual circumstances that could occur during a competition? Let’s explore the roles of the Meet Director, Meet Referee, Chief Judge, Medical Professional, etc.
Take a deep dive into the yearly planning process for a compulsory boys team. This session will explore how to balance training for the next season or next level while keeping long-term development and the needs of growing, changing bodies in mind. Learn how to build a plan that supports both immediate goals and lasting progress.
USA Gymnastics has 8 Disciplines. How many of these do you offer at your gym? We will take a look at all these 8 Disciplines and really dig into one – GFA. What are the 5 types of team programs that are under GFA? What type of athletes can participate? What are the required ages and abilities to be on a competitive team? How can your athletes benefit from these programs? How can your gym benefit from these amazing programs? Will others outside of your gym be moved to come join your teams? These questions will all be answered as we unfold this relatively unknown FUN discipline under USAGymnastics.
This session is designed to empower gymnastics coaches with practical mental health strategies to enhance their well-being and resilience. Coaching is a demanding role that often requires coaches to prioritize others’ needs, leaving little time for self-care. In this lecture, we’ll dive into the common mental health challenges coaches face, from burnout and stress to maintaining work-life balance. Attendees will learn evidence-based techniques to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and foster a healthier mindset, enabling them to support their athletes more effectively. By prioritizing their mental health, coaches can shift from merely surviving the demands of their role to truly thriving—both in and out of the gym.
Progressions and drills for building pullovers, rolls, and casts.
Gen Z represents 20% of the US population but 40% of its consumer spending power. And in the US, first time Moms are around 27, younger than many Western countries. That means Gen Z Moms are here, now, with money to spend on brands they trust, attracted by marketing which speaks directly to them. With a short attention span, huge native tech awareness and no fear in breaking up with brands and businesses that disappoint—almost 8 in 10 Gen Z have done it—this tech-reliant mom segment is drawn to brands with deep insights about their needs, habits and communication preferences.
This is a huge opportunity—and it’s urgent. Most US children’s activity providers are still obsessed with Millennials and have been left behind by Gen Z’s emergence. Using latest research, data and trends, Katrina shares why millennial marketing strategies won’t work with Gen Z, the critical differences between the generations and how to develop a marketing blueprint to future proof your brand in 2025.
What you’ll learn from this session:
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.
“Your arms are bent!” “Your feet are coming apart!” “Your cast is too low!” Any coach or general viewer can observe these mistakes, but can you pinpoint WHY the mistake is there? Is it timing, shaping, strength, or technique?
In this session, we will have live demonstrations of skills found in the compulsories and Xcel levels Bronze through Platinum. Together, we will identify weak areas in each skill and where most mistakes actually come from. Then we can discuss how to effectively drill, focus, and cue corrections to enhance athlete understanding and performance.
Skills we will go over include: Kip casts, cast handstands, squat-ons, back hip and clear hip circles, baby giants and giants, swing 1/2 turns, and flyaways.
“Coach the cause, and effect will be your slave!” – Gerald George, Ph.D.
“My Ankle Hurts”, “I can’t do ____, what should I do?” What do we do when our athletes cannot complete the assignment that day? How do we best help them stay motivated, increase strength and healing of the injury, and improve other qualities of their gymnastics? It’s been said over and over that you can come back from injury a better gymnast, but how? Learn strategies for prevention, safe training during injury, and preparation for return to competition. Discuss phases of injury and recovery and assess needs of athletes coming to you with pain or returning from an injury. Apply mental and physical drills to prepare and progress each athlete no matter the injury or time away from full practice.
This session explores the common practices and key strategies that top competitive clubs consistently use to achieve success. Through discussion and analysis, participants will gain insight into what sets these programs apart and how to apply similar approaches in their own training environments.
In this lecture, we will explore a series of drills for Xcel gymnasts (nominally Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels) who are ready to progress beyond front handspring and half-on vaults but are not ready for more advanced Tsukahara and Yurchenko vaults. The session will focus on two key vault progressions:
If time allows, we will also cover Yurchenko timers with a half-on and full-off twist. By the end of the lecture, coaches will leave with a toolbox of drills designed to improve gymnasts’ late tilt twisting technique in the second flight of their vaults, ultimately enhancing both performance and safety during execution.
Come and learn the basic components of choreography including use of space, shape, movement qualities, and rhythm to build your choreography toolbox. Useful for either floor or beam choreography.
Before you go off and buy a whole bunch of Ninja equipment, start with whatcha got and focus on great programming!
Did she choose to step, or did she have to step? What about body position? Evaluating the landings on Vault, Bars, Beam and Floor.
Lets take a deep dive into your daily practices and polices; are you spending time on the rights things each day to get the most done? What can you delegate out to others? Can you make parent complaints evaporate? We will uncover strategies to make our work week more manageable and NOT have our time sucked away on non-value issues.
Fun and creative ways to build better handstands and other basics from babygym to adult classes! Drills and skills for all stages!
Join us for this special 2-hour session designed to help you keep your gymnast healthy in mind, body, and soul. Boot Camp: Building a Medical Team features a multidisciplinary panel of Gymnastics Medicine experts who will provide essential guidance on supporting gymnast well-being both now and into the future.
This expert-led, interactive session offers a comprehensive look at the tools and knowledge needed to build a strong, supportive medical team around your gymnast.
Splits! Flexibility continues to be challenging for most coaches. Figuring out why an athlete is struggling, maintaining flexibility as they grow, continuing to gain and strength increases. Let’s teach techniques and tricks to make this happen efficiently and safely. With artistry being at the forefront again (yay!), coaches and athletes need to understand how to obtain positions properly (square splits, proper turnout, open straddle) for staying on a beam and adding bonus in dance elements. We will have a comprehensive discuss:
Interactive- yes! Very! Come ready to do what your athletes will be doing!
In Switzerland and Italy we have used strap bar as a COMPETITIVE event to increase bar circles and for long term success. I have put together a program that is easily incorporated into a USAG Development program starting at the lower levels and going through Level 10.
What to do when the question is not in the Code of Points.
This session focuses on what adaptive gymnastics can look like in a gym environment. We’ll talk about what it looks like at Spectrum Gymnastics and how to recreate these programs in your own gyms. How does program planning influence your gym environment and what needs to change at the management level to make BIG changes!
In this session, attendees will learn practical tips and strategies for effectively working with and communicating to today’s youth, helping them stay focused and engaged throughout class.
Parent & Tot Class is a unique experience that requires specific knowledge on what to do, how to run the class to involve parents and take the basic skills we all know and make it approporate and engaging for a toddler. This lecture will include stations, partner activites, manipulatives, music and more!
Parent & Tot class is more than a class – it is Creating Moments that will last forever!
Discover practical ways AI can simplify operations, from automating scheduling to enhancing customer insights. Learn how to harness AI tools to save time and focus on growing your gym.
Great drills and progressions for teaching roundoffs and back handsprings in your recreational classes.
This vaulting session focuses on effective drills and side stations that don’t require a vault table, making it easier to train essential skills in any setting. Emphasis is placed on gradual progressions for Front Handsprings, Tsukaharas, and Yurchenkos, helping coaches build strong fundamentals and technique through creative, table-free training methods.
Understanding the bio-mechanics, progressions and analysis of dance skills in the competitive program.
Amplitude is key to the successful performance of outstanding gymnastics skills. Because amplitude is one of many characteristics judges evaluate simultaneously, it may not always be judged consistently from gymnast to gymnast and from meet to meet. This session will focus on guidelines and techniques to differentiate elements with a focus on amplitude on all four events.
Basic rhythmic gymnastics skills are a great way to add variety to preschool and recreational classes for any discipline. Rhythmic gymnastics develops coordination, strength, flexibility, and balance, needed for all forms of gymnastics. This lecture will teach some basic rhythmic gymnastics body and apparatus skills that can be implemented for 5 minutes or an entire class!
Always a favorite! In this session, we’ll dive into the magic of Preschool Theme Weeks—both minor and major—and explore how to use them to enhance engagement, learning, and fun in your preschool program. We’ll answer key questions: How often should you run them? What’s the real purpose behind them? And most importantly, how can you add that special “Disney-style” sparkle that keeps kids excited and parents impressed? Walk away with creative ideas and practical tools to bring your themes to life all year long.
Staffing challenges are everywhere, and sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to find the right people. This session offers practical solutions for recruiting, retaining, and maximizing your existing team. Learn how to cross-train, design flexible roles, and build a strong culture. You’ll leave with actionable strategies tailored to your gym’s unique needs, no matter your size or structure.
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.
Rise and Shine! Begin the day with a rejunvenating morning stretch session led by Annette Robert-Koerth. Awaken your body, mind and spirit in preparation for an invigorating day of learning and professional growth!
This session will share creative ideas for incorporating music, warm-ups, games, and special events into your gymnastics program to keep athletes engaged, motivated, and having fun!
Let’s break these down from the beginning to final result. This lecture will give you drills for all levels to develop these important skills on beam.
Every coach encounters a gymnast or parent who feels “difficult” to handle. This session will teach you how to use mindset tools not just for your athletes, but for yourself. Learn how to manage your thoughts and emotions to stay calm, confident, and effective, so you can bring out the best in both yourself and your gymnast, creating a more positive and productive gym environment.
When you understand the athlete’s mind, you have the ability to bring out the best in them in a positive and caring manner.
Instead of making Ninja an afterthought in your gym, build a program that drives new students, caters to existing families, and re-vitalizes the energy in your gym!
Eight of OUR gymnasts have appeared on Dancing with the Stars and demonstrated their ability to adapt to a new artistic discipline. The DWTS judges have provided feedback to the gymnasts that can help judges understand the characteristics of artistry, body posture, and musicality when judging Floor Ex. This session will provide examples of DWTS gymnasts and the feedback they received from DWTS judges that can help judges to apply the .30 deduction for artistry. This session was originally developed over ten years ago when only four gymnasts had been on DWTS. It will be updated to include the artistic performances and feedback for all 8 gymnasts: Simone, Suni, Aly, Shawn, Lauri, Nastia, Mary Lou, and even Steve!!
Gain valuable insight into the diverse viewpoints of parents, gymnasts, staff, and gym owners, and learn how these perceptions influence teaching and communication in recreational gymnastics. This session will explore how to align expectations, foster empathy, and build strong relationships through clear, effective communication—ultimately creating a more supportive and successful environment for everyone involved.
The Power Triangle – the place where magic happens at the intersection of Passion, Purpose and Strategy. I will review how to maximise the influence each business can have in their community by carefully constructing these three critical components of a successful organisation. The presentation will combine a review of modern day business practices melded into how businesses in the gymnastics industry can use this information to Thrive.
Discover how to implement proper footwork, posture, body line, and artistry into current choreography. Routines will transform and scores will rise!
Guided hands-on spotting practice. Gain practical experience in safely and effectively spotting key skills under the guidance of an experienced spotter. Ideal for coaches working with optional level gymnasts.
Vault: Yurchenkos
Uneven Bars: Overshoots
Beam: Dismounts
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.
Mental Blocks against skills are largely an anxiety / fear based origin that can have many causes in the background. However, many coaches often feel stuck in how to help people through it and some resorting to “just do it!”. I hope to present a psychological background to consider this against (similar to a phobia) and the role of graded exposure and confidence building to result in change and the problem with “flooding.” I will also provide real life examples that I have come across in coaching.
This lecture will cover a comprehensive plan for developing the basic skills necessary to set your athletes up for success. We will discuss progressions for the skills in the compulsory routines including the strength, flexibility, and body awareness for those skills. The skills covered are applicable to Level 1-5 and Xcel.
Basic mechanics and drills for the recreational coach teaching rings to recreational boys.
In this fun, interactive session, we will identify and practice applying the appropriate rules and deductions for all forms of extra casts and swings on bars for all levels of Compulsories, Optionals, and Divisions of Xcel. Let’s de-mystify when to “use the rule” and when NOT to use the rule!
In our Recreational classes, we have so many different abilities. What are basic progressions that we can teach in a class with those who are just learning a forward roll for their first time and those who are working on a back walkover? Perhaps you have a class of talented and hard working preschoolers? What can you teach?
Through practical strategies such as “connecting before correcting,” offering genuine apologies, and fostering a positive mindset, coaches and directors will learn how to strengthen athletes within their care, while creating a ripple effect of empowerment and resilience that will impact them for the rest of their lives.
Discover creative, effective techniques for teaching foundational floor skills to Preschool and Recreational athletes. This session focuses on fun, imaginative approaches that build strong basics while keeping kids engaged and motivated.
This session empowers gym owners to confidently determine what their programs should really cost—based on value, not guesswork. We’ll break down the key factors that should drive your pricing decisions, and help you move beyond the common pitfalls: the “guilt” of pricing customers out of the market, or simply calling the gym down the road to ask what they charge.
This topic is critical—over 75% of the gyms we consult are undercharging by 30% or more. In this lecture, we’ll give you the tools to adjust your tuition with confidence, overcome fear of customer pushback, and implement changes effectively and sustainably.
Watch their preschool or recreational students. Why are they having so much fun yet look so accomplished even though they only attend one hour per week? (Remember, your kids’ performances are YOUR coaching report card.) There are certain unbreakable, unbreachable laws that the greatest coaches follow that set them apart from the status quo. Laws like:
These are principles that can’t be broken. They’re laws that, when taught to new teachers, launch them light-years ahead in their path to becoming a valuable instructor They’re laws that the best educators have internalized and live by.
Curious about TeamGym? Come discover this exciting and fast-paced discipline that brings the energy of artistic gymnastics, tumbling, and trampoline together in a dynamic team-based format! Perfect for building camaraderie, boosting athlete engagement, and adding a fresh twist to your gym’s offerings, TeamGym is taking the gymnastics world by storm. This session will break down what TeamGym is, how it works, and how you can launch a successful program at your own gym.
Guided hands-on spotting practice. Gain practical experience in safely and effectively spotting key skills and connections under the guidance of an experienced spotter. Ideal for coaches working with competitive-level gymnasts. This session will include a
Uneven Bars: Clear Hips and Group 3, 6, 7 Circling Skills
Floor: Round-off, Back Handspring, Back Tuck & Beyond (Layout, Twisting)
Spotting Q&A: Bring all your spotting-related questions and receive expert guidance and solutions.
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.
This presentation will combine the theory and science of motivation and leadership theories across many domains. Specifically, it will apply these models to the needs of coaches today. Beyond providing information on how to avoid demotivating athletes, this presentation will provide alternatives that will enhance intrinsic motivation and drive. Additionally, it will provide an overarching model for how coaches can create safety and trust while still holding high standards.
Drills and progressions for developing strong handspring vaults for Compulsory Levels 1–5 and the Xcel program.
Back tumbling from early round-off drills through round-off back handspring layouts.
This lecture will provide actionable strategies for developing and expanding a thriving boys gymnastics program. Drawing on my experience in building one of the largest men’s gymnastics programs in Region 2 out of Wasilla, Alaska, I will share proven methods for attracting and retaining athletes, creating a strong program culture, and fostering both individual and team success. Attendees will learn how to overcome common challenges, effectively market their programs, and develop sustainable systems for long-term growth. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to take your existing program to the next level, this session will offer practical insights and inspiration.
Every judge has their own methods for staying organized, focused, and consistent during competitions—why not share and learn from the best? This session will explore practical strategies and innovative techniques judges use to streamline their work and ensure accurate scoring. Whether you’re a seasoned judge or just starting out, you’ll leave with a toolkit of time-saving and performance-enhancing strategies to elevate your judging game.
Discover Rhythmic Xcel, a fun and exciting way to expand your program! Learn how to easily add this dynamic discipline for both competition and Gym Shows, giving athletes a fresh challenge and your gym a new way to shine.
Tired of having a never-ending to do list? We will explore how establishing clear expectations and responsibilities for each team member not only strengthens individual performance but also creates a more cohesive, efficient, and motivated workforce. Key topics will include:
The Importance of Role Clarity: Understanding how defining roles contributes to both employee satisfaction and business success.
Accountability Systems: How clear job descriptions empower staff to take ownership of their tasks and outcomes.
Fostering Collaboration: Strategies for aligning team members through well-defined roles that promote communication and mutual support.
Boosting Productivity: How role clarity leads to optimized workflows, better time management, and improved operational efficiency.
Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, you’ll leave with the tools to effectively structure your team, improve internal processes, and create a work environment that supports growth, trust, and high performance. This lecture is ideal for gymnastics business owners and managers who are ready to take their team dynamics to the next level and drive greater success within their organization.
How to evolve your lesson plan to meet the different developmental needs of 0-2 year olds.
What critical steps do we need to take to hire great people, nurture their development, and celebrate their contributions? Having a strong team of individuals who share our goals and choose to stay with us long term is vital to the success of our organizations, AND to our industry. Let’s talk employment experience!
Trampolines are the most common at-home gymnastics equipment and it is important for us to teach our students how to perform skills safely on this apparatus. There are so many skills that can be taught. Trampoline is not just a side station, it is a whole event!!
We will explore different games and activities that I use to introduce dance to beginning gymnasts (recreational and competitive) to make it fun, confidence-building and effective. Coaches will be up and out of their chairs as we play these artistic and fun dance games!
Master the full turn on beam with stability and precision. In this session, we’ll break down the key technical positions required throughout the turn to ensure a smooth, wobble-free execution. Coaches will also learn progressions leading to more advanced turns, including the Wolf Turn, L Turn, and Y Turn.
This lecture explores the critical link between nutrition and mental health in gymnasts, emphasizing how underfueling can contribute to issues such as anxiety, depression, nervousness, and disordered eating. Attendees will learn to recognize signs of nutrition-related concerns and develop strategies for communicating these concerns effectively with parents. The session also provides guidance on identifying appropriate local and virtual resources to support gymnasts and families who may be struggling, with the goal of fostering both physical and emotional well-being in the gym environment.
Calling all vault coaches! Do your athletes stutter step? Do their steps feel “off”? Do many of your athletes lean forward on the board and have a poor body shape in their vault? There is a simple way to help alleviate all of this, and it’s all in their approach.
The Pyramid of Vault is a great visual tool for coaches and athletes to use to simplify their vaults into pieces they can truly master. Many observed mistakes are caused by improper running mechanics and technique in their approach. Fix those and you’ll have vaulters extremely confident running full speed at the table!
This lecture will focus on breaking down each phase of the vault listed here, with a strong emphasis on their approach:
This interactive lecture is designed to enhance judges’ accuracy and confidence by deepening their knowledge of gymnastics skill names and technical details. Participants will explore why skill recognition is essential for accurate, credible scoring and effective communication with coaches and athletes. The session breaks down commonly misunderstood elements by event, highlights frequently confused skills, and offers practical tips for distinguishing between similar movements. Engaging activities like “Name That Skill” and visual aids will reinforce learning, while additional resources will be shared to support continued education in skill identification.
Unconscious bias impacts coaching, judging, and daily decision-making in gymnastics. This session explores how bias shows up in real scenarios and offers practical strategies to recognize and address it. Whether you’re new to the topic or continuing your learning, you’ll gain insight, reflection tools, and leadership strategies to foster fairness, strengthen relationships, and support every athlete’s potential. Ideal for everyone.
This session focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for neurodivergent gymnasts. We’ll cover essential safety considerations, strategies for modifying activities to meet diverse needs, and practical tips for empowering every child to succeed—both on and off the floor.
This presentation reveals the hidden costs of neglecting risk management in gymnastics facilities, from safety incidents and reputational damage to staff turnover and financial losses. Attendees will learn how to calculate the true cost of inaction and discover how the SafeGrowth Accelerator program provides a proactive, scalable approach to mitigating these risks. By integrating practical tools, monthly action plans, and training resources, the SafeGrowth Accelerator equips gym owners and managers with the strategies needed to enhance safety, streamline operations, and foster trust with families. This engaging session positions risk mitigation not as an expense, but as a vital investment in the long-term success and resilience of their programs.