Coaching Congress Class Descriptions
Read the descriptions below for more information about each clinic at Congress.
Session 1 - Clinic 1
Functional Nutrition For Gymnasts
Presenter: Betsy McNally
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2019
Time: 8:30am - 9:45 am
Discipline: All
Gymnastics is different than most cardiovascular sports. I break down the most important challenges of nutrition for gymnasts ranging from body changes to how processed foods affect performance and mind body connection. I also offer solutions and why specific foods help our athletes. Good general nutrition is discussed, ranging from functional foods to organic and processed foods.
Session 1 - Clinic 2
Vault - Handspring Development. You have to see this!
Presenter: Mike Durante
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2019
Time: 8:30am - 9:45 am
Discipline: WAG/MAG
Let’s develop strong, fast and aggressive vaulters from day one! How legs, legs and legs plus shoulders, shoulders and more shoulders will get you the vaulter you know will turn into an optional superstar.
Session 1 - Clinic 3
Not Your Average Preschool Beam Stations
Beam stations for preschool kids & beginner rec don't have to be repetitive & boring! There are many ways to spice it up and teach things like fine/gross motor skills, team work, body control, focus and have a some fun too! If you're looking for inspiration to infuse some creative new ideas into your beam rotations, look no further!
Session 1 - Clinic 4
Creative Movement Exploration
Presenter: Stacey Umeh
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2019
Time: 8:30am - 9:45 am
Discipline: WAG
Artistic Preparation through exercises, games and activities that will create movement, eye contact, body and facial expression in floor and beam routines. Great session for athletes transitioning from compulsory to optional or entering Xcel.
Session 1 - Clinic 5
Pommel Horse
Circles, spindles and Stocklis and introduction to single leg swings.
Session 1 - Clinic 6
JO Updates & Safe Sport
Presenter: Shelley Lefler & Lorraine Currie
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2019
Time: 8:30am - 9:45am
Discipline: WAG
Session 2 - Clinic 7
Circuit Training For Athletes Who Train Under 16 hours/Week
Creating Better Athletes with Functional Fitness Equipment, making them stronger, less injured, more flexible with new techniques.
Session 2 - Clinic 8
More Than A Beam Complex: Learning How To Land On Beam With The Future In Mind
Presenter: Mike Durante
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2019
Time: 10:00am-11:15am
Discipline: ALL
In this presentation, I have developed 15 positions in which we land on beam and we drill them over and over from various skills. Depending on the skill level it can be done with needle kicks, handstands, cartwheels, back walkovers, back handspring, layouts step outs, 2 and 3 skills series. Over the course of learning these landing positions you will develop a more comfortable and experienced gymnast. This is great for all levels and abilities.
Session 2 - Clinic 9
The A, B, C's of Flexibility and Recovery
Looking at contemporary development methods. Proper use of Fitballs, Therabands, massage balls, rollers as combined recovery techniques.
Session 2 - Clinic 10
NCCP Updates and Information Session
The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is the only nationally recognized collaborative training program in Canada, offering education to Gymnastics coaches at all stages of coach development. There have been several changes to the NCCP over the years, with a major shift into competency based modules. The focus of the session with be on the NCCP, changes to the coaching pathway requirements and on the new process for course registration in Uplifter. The information will benefit both coaches and club administrators experiencing confusion surrounding NCCP requirements. There will be a detailed presentation followed by Q&A session.
Session 2 - Clinic 11
High Bar
Introduction to release type elements and swing and giants preparation for dismount elements.
Session 2 - Clinic 12
Level 9 & 10 Composition and Bonus
Presenter: Thea Rotteau & Tracey Robertson
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2019
Time: 10:00am-11:15am
Discipline: WAG
This session will focus on composition deductions for Level 8, 9 and 10 on Bars, Beam and Floor. Composition deductions will be discussed to provide clarity and strategies for their application. Practice routines will enable judges to apply the knowledge they have developed during the session.
Session 3 - Clinic 13
Creating A Culture of Clean Eating For Your Gym
How to establish a culture of clean eating without overstepping your role as coach, being sensitive to the needs of the athlete and parents of this challenging topic.
Session 3 - Clinic 14
Beam Complex For All Levels
A fresh approach to a beam complex with a focus on strength, core and movement.
Session 3 - Clinic 15
Tumbling - The Basics (Cartwheels/Round-offs/Front Handspring)
Presenter: Mike Durante
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2019
Time: 11:30am-12:45pm
Discipline: WAG/MAG/TUM
In this presentation, I will provide you with a long, detailed list of 28 criteria to assist you in forming a foundation for a great round-off as well as improve the tiny details of an advanced, high-level round-off. The importance of a cartwheel and a front handspring are often overlooked! Time to get back to the basics!
Session 3 - Clinic 16
Teaching Athletes How To Be Expressive
Discovering your inter Sports Artist. Creating your artistic purpose and voice. Concepts of expressiveness and artistry.
Session 3 - Clinic 17
In-House Training To Compliment Foundations Courses
This session is geared toward Administrators and Rec Directors. How many years has it been since you took your foundations level coaching? Join us in this interactive workshop to discover what your Foundations Coaches have learned and how you can support them to be the best coaches for your club’s recreational and pre school programs.
Session 4 - Clinic 19
Triple Setting Circuits For Success
I will show you my methods in “triple setting” conditioning circuits to maximize cardiovascular endurance, skill development, strength and flexibility with functional equipment (BOSU balls, sliders, kettle bells).
Session 4 - Clinic 20
Compulsory Bar Circuits – Focus On Developing The Optional Gymnast
How to avoid boredom in your daily workout plans when dealing with the compulsory skills. We will dig deeper into these compulsory skills and break them down while adding some variety and spice with lots of side stations and drills.
Session 4 - Clinic 21
Learning The Ropes Of Competitive Coaching In Ontario
Presenter: Paula Johnson & Kathy Kline
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2019
Time: 1:45pm-3:00pm
Discipline: WAG
This session will focus on assisting young or new coaches to the compulsory or optional competitive world. We will focus on coaching etiquette, the ins and outs of competition formats, and what coaches can expect from competitions in Ontario. We look forward to reaching out to our young coaches and give them ideas on how to be a passionate, energetic competitive coach who is well rounded and aware of all competition rules and practices. This session will also offer a Q&A discussion to ensure we address any questions coaches may have.
Session 4 - Clinic 22
How To Start An Acro Program
Explore the fundamentals of developing an acrobatic program in your club. Discover what equipment you’ll need; programming ideas for recreational and competitive; and ways to advertise and implement the program.
Session 4 - Clinic 23
Parallel Bars
Presenter: Yin Alvarez
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2019
Time: 1:45pm-3:00pm
Discipline: MAG
Long hangs, including giants, peach basket elements and basic support swings.
Session 5 - Clinic 25
Functional Fitness Training For Gymnasts
Creating Better Athletes with Functional Fitness Equipment, making them stronger, less injured, more flexible with new techniques.
Session 5 - Clinic 26
CanGym/Gymnaestrada Update
An update on Gymnastics for All from our GFA Program Manager. Topics include: Special Needs programming, CanGym update, non-competitive events and how your athletes can participate in the next World Gymnaestrada, representing Team Canada in Amsterdam! Gymnaestrada is growing in Ontario and we want your club to be part of it!
Session 5 - Clinic 27
ACRO Basics - Code Of Points
Learn about the basics of the JO Acrobatic Code of Points. Understand competitive requirements and learn how to teach fundamental acrobatic skills to beginner athletes. Learn balance basics of hand to hand, stands on partners, and body positions. Learn the dynamic basics of toe pitch throws, boosts, platforms, and catches. Skills taught will focus on JO levels 1-5, but COP knowledge is applicable for levels 1-10.
Session 5 - Clinic 28
Exploring Leaps, Jumps and Turns
Key concepts behind leap and jump execution. Understanding the mechanics of turns. Specific leap and turn drills.
Session 5 - Clinic 29
Bars - From Kips To Giants And Everything In Between
Bridging the gap from the first kip to the optional level. Things to do every day to ensure your gymnasts are on the path to bigger and greater things before it's too late.
Session 6 - Clinic 31
Optional Beam - Composition & Combinations
Understanding the importance of constructing a strong beam routine with a focus on the key skills, dance elements and combinations that give you the best value.
Session 6 - Clinic 32
Making The Transition From Rec to Xcel
Presenter: Michelle Pothier
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2019
Time: 8:30am-9:45am
Discipline: WAG
How to bring advanced recreational athletes to your competitive team using the Xcel program to promote and foster team dynamics, build confident athletes and retain older athletes.
Session 6 - Clinic 33
My Favourite Activities For Parent & Tot Classes
Presenter: Ali Stoffels
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2019
Time: 8:30am-9:45am
Discipline: GFA
Looking for some new ways to engage your toddlers & their parents? These are some of my favourite simple activities can be used during various parts of your parent-assisted classes to promote physical literacy, parent-child bonding, cognitive development, motor skill practice and of course - FUN!
Session 6 - Clinic 35
Using The Trampoline To Enhance Your Artistic Program
Discipline: WAG/MAG/T&T
Learn unique and interesting methods to enhance all of your artistic events with the trampoline. Tips and tricks for vault, bars, beam and floor!
Session 6 - Clinic 36
Compulsory Updates & Xcel Overview (Vault) - PART 1
Presenter: Lorraine Currie & Angela Herrington
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2019
Time: 8:30am-9:45am
Discipline: WAG
This session will cover the vault requirements needed for the Xcel program for BRONZE, SILVER, and GOLD, and some sample vaults.
Session 7 - Clinic 37
Vault – Building A Strong Tumbler And A Yurchenko Vaulter Along The Way
I will have several tumbling stations, drills and shapes to form the great vaulter we want down the road. The mind set and activities behind building power and speed and an aggressive tiger gymnast.
Session 7 - Clinic 38
Learning The Ropes Of Competitive Coaching In Ontario
Presenter: Paula Johnson & Kathy Kline
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2019
Time: 10:00am-11:15am
Discipline: WAG
This session will focus on assisting young or new coaches to the compulsory or optional competitive world. We will focus on coaching etiquette, the ins and outs of competition formats, and what coaches can expect from competitions in Ontario. We look forward to reaching out to our young coaches and give them ideas on how to be a passionate, energetic competitive coach who is well rounded and aware of all competition rules and practices. This session will also offer a Q&A discussion to ensure we address any questions coaches may have.
Session 7 - Clinic 39
Exciting and Unique Pre-School Circuits
Presenter: Bonnie MacPhee
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2019
Time: 10:00am-11:15am
Discipline: GFA
Get a refresher on different ways to use small equipment for the little ones. Enhance your pre-school circuits rather than just doing the same old thing!
Session 7 - Clinic 40
Upper Body Taping Techniques - KT Tape and Supportive Taping
In this session we will cover approaches to KT Taping for the wrist, elbow and shoulder. As well, the key supportive taping techniques for the wrist and elbow for your gymnast dealing with an injury.
Session 7 - Clinic 41
Judging Perspective
Presenter: Matthew Eldridge & Cassandra Siwek
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2019
Time: 10:00am-11:15am
Discipline: T&T
Have you ever wondered why your athlete received a certain score? In this session we will look at trampoline routines from the judging perspective. Learn all about the major and minor deductions and what the judges are looking for in a high-scoring routine
Session 7 - Clinic 42
Compulsory Updates & Xcel Overview (Bars, Beam, Floor) - PART 2
Presenter: Cheryl Donoghue & Angela Herrington
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2019
Time: 10:00am-11:15am
Discipline: WAG
This session will cover the requirements needed for the Xcel program on each event for BRONZE, SILVER, and GOLD, and some sample routines.
Session 8 - Clinic 43
Taking You Full Circle On Bars
You name the circle we will explore it. All sorts of drills, stretches and side stations to cover Clear hips, Stalders and Toe On’s.
Session 8 - Clinic 44
How To Guide Athletes Through Mental Blocks
This session will teach coaches how to recognize, approach, and work through mental blocks.
Session 8 - Clinic 45
Channeling Your Creative Mojo
Recreational & preschool coaches are the most creative people I know! There is such collective brilliance in our rec community, but sometimes our innovation & creativity gets trapped beneath stress, discomfort or self-doubt. We'll practice accessing your creative mojo, thinking outside the box (and thinking on your feet) and brainstorming wacky ideas by playing a simple game.
Session 8 - Clinic 46
Lower Body Taping Techniques - KT Tape and Supportive Taping
In this session we will cover approaches to KT taping for the ankle, knee and hip region along with supportive taping techniques for common ankle, shin and knee injuries.
Session 8 - Clinic 47
Backwards Twisting In Trampoline
Back full, half-half, full-out, full-full – proper take-off technique, what your athlete should see and when, and the best builders to learn these skills.
Session 9 - Clinic 49
Understanding Front And Back Twisting - This Will Blow Your Mind!
In this presentation I will go over the very detailed technique I have established in the last few years of my 28 years of coaching for both back and front twisting. You don’t want to miss this one. I will give the 4 steps needed to achieve a great Full and next two steps respectfully to achieve a Full 1/2 and Double Full. I will also give the 6 steps needed to achieve a great Back Full that leads directly into more and more twisting and not leaving you only with a great full. Learning an additional step we will cover 1 1/2 ,Double full., and Double 1/2. The plans is for the future twisting as the top priority! The biggest mistake is that most of us are in the rush to accomplish a Full that we don’t keep in mind the progress and progression needed to achieve other twisting skills down the road. This will blow your mind on how simple it is to understand and teach.
Session 9 - Clinic 50
How To Rock The NCAA Recruitment Process
Presenter: Vicki May & Peng Peng Lee
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2019
Time: 1:45pm-3:00pm
Discipline: WAG
SESSION DETAILS:
1) NCAA Rules and Regulations
2) NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Facts
3) The Ideal College Gymnast
4) Is Your Gymnast Good Enough for College?
5) When Should You Get Started?
6) Club Coaches Role in the Recruiting Process
7) Parents Role in the Recruiting Process
8) Important Items that Should Be Done Now
9) Speed Bumps in the Recruiting Process
10) Success Stories / Peng Peng’s Journey
Session 9 - Clinic 51
Foam Rolling
Learn the foundations of foam rolling using safe and effective techniques. Gain a better understanding of anatomy and muscle function.
Session 9 - Clinic 52
Manage Load and Athlete Performance
How do you develop an athlete to succeed? How do you mitigate injuries? How can you guide your training to reduce potential injury and increase performance? In this seminar we will look at a model you can follow to manage training volumes to mitigate injuries along with what the gymnast requires to reduce injuries and increase skill acquisition.
Session 9 - Clinic 53
Mental Health - What You Need To Know
In this session we will discuss:
- The role of mental health stigma as a significant barrier to talking about and accessing mental health support. - How to reduce stigma.
- How to maintain appropriate coach/athlete boundaries while discussing mental health.
- Signs/symptoms of mental illness to be aware of.
- How the coach can take care of his/her own mental health.
- How mental health impacts sport performance.
- How we can support our athletes to have more positive mental health outcomes.
Session 10 - Clinic 55
Basic Bar Releases
Flipping and flying through the air is what makes you a gymnast! In this session we will cover releases moves that you can start with your level 4’s including Straddle Backs, Shoot overs and toe shoot to high bar.
Session 10 - Clinic 56
Stress & Nerves; A Coach’s Guide to Maximizing Performance
This session will teach coaches how to recognize their own signs of stress and nerves. Participants will learn strategies to cope with and manage their own feelings to ensure they aren’t being unintentionally projected onto the athletes.
Session 10 - Clinic 57
Adult Gymnastics: How To Teach Beginner Gymnastics To Not-So-Little Students
We all (gymnastics coaches) know how to teach our sport. We know the fundamentals, and we know how to break things down for the youth we work with. However, what if your student is not a youth? What happens when you have an adult with little to no experience, but who is eager to learn something new? What do you do when someone wants to learn a handstand, but has little to no shoulder mobility? Or when someone wants to bounce on a trampoline but has always had a “bad back”?
We aim to go over the common risk factors that come along with working with adults vs. kids, and we hope to provide some tools and resources to address common limitations, and introduce fundamentals in a safe and accessible way. Basic skills like Rolls, Cartwheels, Handstands, Landings, and certain Mobility skills are not always as easy to teach when you can’t ‘spot’ them in the same way, or when the equipment is built for much smaller proportions. Participants of this session should walk away with more confidence in working with adults, and the ability to implement a structured recreational adult gymnastics program that is more constructive than the common ‘drop-in’ formats currently available.
Session 10 - Clinic 58
Improving Hip Range of Motion For Performance
There is a science to developing flexibility and active range of motion through the hips in your gymnast. The ability to do splits or great lines and height in splits leaps is needed and required in the sport. There is also an art to implementing the tactics to do this. In this session we will look at what can limit range of motion actively or passively in the hips and how to go about improving it with specific methods used with elite athletes.
Session 10 - Clinic 59
Forwards Twisting In Trampoline
Rudy, half-out, rudy-out – proper timing and builders to learn the skills, and common errors to watch for and correct early.
Questions?
If you have further questions, please contact the Gymnastics Ontario Events Manager at events@gymnasticsontario.ca.