Coaching Acrobatics
Artistic coaches have expressed reluctance to learn acrobatics, for they see it as completely new discipline to learn. Acrobatics does have some significant differences that justifies their concern, although it is not a completely new discipline. There are many common elements between the two disciplines. Texas Acro and AD Productions created this 5 minute video to explain the similarities and differences.
The movements of acrobatics are the same as on equipment and the floor, but the partners become the equipment. There are technical differences, of course, in how the movements are accomplished on people instead of the equipment. That is what this website is for.
However, technique, really is not the challenge of acrobatics. The greatest challenge that separates the coaches that stay with acro and those who return to artistic gymnastics is the dynamic of social interaction between people. Those coaches who don't like people, or lack social skills will struggle in this sport. Gaining commitments between the kids and the parents requires matching kids and families for compatibilities that go beyond skills abilities.
As a final point, Texas Acro reminds all coaches to remember that we are not coaching acrobatic gymnastics to children, but that we are coaching children in acrobatic gymnastics. Kids leave the sport, and we want all kids to leave acro with happy memories, not scar them so they become bitter parents in their adulthood. A letter by Tom Burgdorf was sent to gymnastics coaches nationwide several years ago, and it is kept on file because we agree with his plea.