Gym Coach, Vol.2 (2008) 1-5
Methodological Article
Using the “Understand → Teach” model to coach a double layout dismount of the asymmetrical bars Rick McCharles Altadore Gymnastic Club, Calgary, Canada ABSTRACT The ‘understand → teach’ model was presented in Vol.1 (2007) of the Gym Coach. The model is illustrates and guide the coach in developing a map or strategy towards coaching any given skill. The model was used by several expert coaches from Canada to teach the double layout of the asymmetric bars. These coaches concluded that the ‘understand → teach’ model was to complex and lead to ‘analysis to paralysis’ as well as not accurately reflecting their actual coaching style. The following article uses the model in the presentation of coaching the double layout dismount. Key Words: coaching strategy,
INTRODUCTION An expert coach should know exactly how he/she is going to coach any skill to any individual. Usually the coach has a template or a set order of skills, drills, pre-requisites, etc to guide or to direct his coaching plan against. This template or strategy is developed over many years of coaching, and hopefully it is constantly refined and tuned, as well as being flexible to accommodate necessary adjustments. The ‘understand → teach’ model is just but one such template or strategy which a coach could use. This model was used by a group of expert coaches from Canada to plan out the coaching process of a double layout dismount of the asymmetric bars. The conclusion of these coaches was that the model itself is to complex and leads to over analyze and eventually ‘analysis to paralyses’. They also felt that the model did not necessarily reflect how they would actually coach the double layout.
Break the whole skill into major phases a- Accelerator giant(s) b- Beat swing and ascending swing up to the point of release c- Double layout d- Landing Focus should be on the beat (tap) swing and ascending swing up to the point of release. Obviously, the accelerator giants are of tremendous importance, as well. A gymnast with a powerful swing and correct position on release of the bar can chose many different body positions in the air and still land safely.
1.2 Biomechanics • Ideal Model – Play Video a - Accelerator giants The gymnast should be striving to perform her fastest giant circle prior to the dismount. On bars the gymnast should straddle on the descending swing only if this technique results in more angular velocity on the ascending swing.
In this article the model is used in developing a coaching strategy/pathway for coaching the double layout dismount. The method highlights area of interest
METHODOLOGY Understand 1.1 Identify • Whole Skill (Figure 1) • Critical Phase(s) ©2008 The Gym Press. All rights reserved
Figure 1 - Illustration of an ideal double layout dismount from the asymmetrical bars.
Gym Coach Vol.2, March, 2008
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