Texas Acro Athlete Clinic Begins 2006 Season!
by Alex Douglas
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On Saturday, February 4th, Texas Acro hosted its first Athlete Clinic by hiring Elite coach, Julie Miller, from Wings USA in Livermore, California. The clinic was attended by five clubs: three Texas Acro member clubs; Trevino's Acro Team, Boerne Gymnastics Center and host club, Texas Sports Ranch; along with two new clubs - World Olympic Gymnastics Association of Plano and Peterson's Gymnastics of Keane - both in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. The clinic was a mere four hours, beginning at 2 PM and ending at 6 PM. Clinician JulieMiller said she could have easily gone 8 hours, but the parents and families already had other plans. It was just as well, nonetheless, because many of the kids were not used to a 4 hour work out and were exhausted by the clinic end. |
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| Elite coach from Wings USA, Julie Miller, explains correct technique to Texas Acro athletes. Photo by Alex Douglas. Feb 4, 2006 | |
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Julie began the clinic with a game that got the kids excited and laughing. The game had them interacting with one another which broke the ice amongst the kids and made them feel more comfortable working together. After the game, the work of the clinic began. First there was a warm-up where the kids learned new partner stretches to increase their flexibility. Emphasis was given to stretching the "pancakes" and shoulders which are needed for press handstands. Time was then spent on understanding the correct way to press to handstands. We were all encouraged to begin training the presses at an early age. The points she made regarding a correct press include:
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| Julie demonstrates correct form and spotting for a press handstand. |
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Balance skills were then worked upon. She touched upon calf mounts first. Stepping up was discouraged, and she emphasized a two foot landing on the shoulders with the legs straight and tight as a much better technique. Since everyone came with their own partners, she had each group and pair work together on their own balances so she could help each group with specific needs. The levels were mostly 7 to 10, with only three level 6 groups. There was one level 3 pair that came just for the experience. A break was taken after balance and specific drills for dynamic were then taught. Correct tucking for back flips was addressed. The points made were that:
Similar to the tucks, back layouts were addressed. To obtain rotation with a lays:
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| Brandi Lewis follows Julie's instructions on training athletes to snap their hips for layouts. |
After the explanation of tempo drills, the groups again broke up to work skills specific to their needs as Julie went from group to group to correct and help them in their efforts. Some were taken to the overhead rig for aid in doubles off the basket or foot to hands.
The athlete participation ended with a question and answer period from coaches and athletes. Some of the questions asked were:
What is the correct hand placement for round off boosts over head?
Answer: It depends on the level. For lower levels, under the seat is used to create rotation for back tucks. However for upper levels throw double saltos on the thighs and seat are used for increased rotation. At no time should the top be boosted from the back since it cannot rotate properly.
What about foot pitches, where should the hands go?
Answer: The ball of the foot should be held so that the top can push off his or her toes to create flight.In your opinion, how much time should be spent in training for the different levels per week?
Answer: Level 6 should have an 8 hour per week training. Levels 7 & 8 should train at least 12 hours a week. And Levels 9 and up should have at least 15 hours a week.Rumen Latchkov, former world champion in Men's Pair from Bulgaria, and currently the Boerne Gymnastics Acro coach, commented that when he trained they came in 25 hours per week. The World Olympic coach who came with Brandi Lewis as an acro athlete said that WOGA, who trains Carly Patterson, puts in a 35 hour per week training.
It is obvious that the Texas Acro clubs all have other factors that limit what each club can put in for training, but the point to remember is that time is limited and that we must make the most of every workout to ensure the best performance!
The clinic officially ended and the party began. Texas Sports Ranch graciously provided food thanks to their Acro Team Parents Association to whom Texas Acro gives thanks. Karaoke was set up for those with a song in their hearts. Trevino's Pro Shop graciously provided Acro shirts for the kids to whom we also give our hearty thanks, and stuffed animals were given away for handstand contests and other games.
While the children were playing, the coaches and older athletes sat down for a lecture on choreography. The notes for this lecture are provided elsewhere on the Texas Acro website. Be sure you read it, for she has created some of the best acro routines in the country.
The Texas Acro accomplished its purpose of bringing Texas acrobats together so they may get to know each other better, to learn more technique, and to remind all the kids that our 2006 competition season has begun, so they need to buckle down and get serious in their training! We look forward to a great season this year!