gymnastics CLASSES
At Pep & Pizzazz we offer gymnastics for all ages. Our gymnastics teaching philosophy is that students should learn their gymnastics skills in the proper progression. We believe that neglecting these progressions, skipping over progressional skills, or allowing students to move on to the next level of skills before they have mastered the previous level skills, sets students up for failure in the long-term. Our teaching method does take time. However we believe 100% that it is worth the extra time it takes to learn skills correctly! It is our belief that gymnastics is not a race and that there is much more value in taking the time to learn a skill correctly, than rushing through and developing bad habits that ultimately will result in holding back gymnastics progress, or even worse – unnecessary injury. Our philosophy is that we are always working towards mastery of each and every skill. We realize that it important to remember that all athletes are different and will move through the skills and levels at their own pace – and that is OK! We encourage our students and their parents to adopt this mentality as well.
Our gymnastics classes at Pep & Pizzazz our gymnastics classes are leveled. These levels have been inspired by staff-training and materials produced by world re-known gymnastics coach Coach Debbie Love. This system will help each student become more successful by having specific skill goals to learn before moving into the next level. This will also ensure that each class is working on the same skills providing more opportunities to work together to achieve their personal goals, as well as focus the instruction in a more detailed manner as to what that class needs. Defining the classes by levels will allow our teachers to be able to tailor the drills, and conditioning to their students needs, helping our athletes make progress while learning the skills the correct way. Our levels will follow the progressions with a natural break in between each skill set. To be successful in the following level an athlete must master at least 80% of their current level.
Upon registering for a gymnastics class, new students will come to an evaluation class where their skills and level can be assessed so that we can determine what level and class is the best fit for them. At the beginning of each level every student will be sent home with a progression sheet for that level as well as a list of drills to complete at home. The at home drills will be very important moving forward to ensure our athletes have enough strength and body control to perform the skills safely.
We believe working together as a team made up of our teachers, our students, and their parents, will allow our students to reach their greatest level of success. Through initial evaluations, quarterly check-points, and monthly parent observation, we hope to keep our parents informed and working together to help their child reach their full gymnastics potential. Parents will be invited into the last 20 minutes of the third week of classes each month to observe their child’s progress and touch base with their teacher on things they can continue working on in class and at home.
Gym Levels
Fundamentals
Our pre level 1 is a true beginner’s class. During this level the athlete will be introduced to new skills, while focusing on body mechanics and creating a solid foundation to expand on in the following levels. Some of the skills to be mastered; forward roll, cartwheel with straight legs, round off, back bend from standing position.
Level 1
Continuing from our pre-level 1, athletes will work on form and technique of all previously mastered skills. This class with focus on strengthening core skills, as well as introduce the athlete to new skills. Some of the skills to be mastered; hold a handstand (4 seconds), front limber, back walkover, front walkover.
Level 2
Athletes in level 2 will continue to practice the core skills required for all levels but will focus on new skills. Level 2 athletes will also work on overall strength and flexibility.
Some of the skills to be mastered; handstand forward roll, back handspring, front handspring, round off back handspring.
Level 3
Athletes in level 3 will perfect their standing back handspring form and master both standing and round off back handspring series. They will also leave this level with an understanding of the body mechanics of both a front and back tuck.
Some of the skills to be mastered; round off series back handspring, standing back handspring series, front handspring step out.
Level 4
Athletes in level 4 will master the ability to do front and back tucks in connection to another skill. They will also master landing a standing tuck from an elevated surface before moving on. Some of the skills to be mastered; round off back handspring tuck, punch front, power hurdle round off tuck.
Level 5
Athletes in level 5 will perfect their tuck in connection with other skills, master standing tucks as well as layouts.Some of the skills to be mastered; round off back handspring layout, standing two backhandsprings to a layout, standing tuck.
Level 6
Athletes in level 6 will perfect their layouts, continue to practice form from previous levels as well as master the full twisting layout. Level 6 athletes will also work on bounding skills, advance combination passes, as well as Arabians.