can be found at the bottom of this page: http://www.usagym.org/pages/events/pages/premier_events.html
Not sure that it'll be as exciting as Rotterdam, but it's worth a look!
Showing posts with label USAG. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USAG. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Compulsories and Me
Dear USAG,
Shall I compare thee to the previous cycle? It may happen. A little bit. But you'll handle it.
In non-iambic pentameter, I bear unto you my grievances with Level 4 and Level 5. (Level 6, I'm pretty okay with. I support the motion to exchange the aerial for the front tuck on floor. We see eye-to-eye on that.)
Vault:
Grievance: Level 4 - handstand to flat back position on the mats
I am not convinced that a solid Level 4 vault means success in training a front handspring over the table. They are two different animals.
Proposal: Push the mat behind the table. Drop the table to its lowest setting. Perform handstand to flat back in this manner -- handstand on the table, pop to flat back on mat.
Achieving a handstand on the mats and doing the same on the table are visually, physically, and mentally different experiences. Expose the athletes to the feeling of blocking off the table, as well as overcoming anxiety about reaching out.
Uneven Bars:
Grievance: the front hip circle and the mill circle
I'm still new-ish to this game. Maybe there is inherent value in the front hip circle.
But the mill circle? Teaching undergrip when an athlete might return to it at Level 7 at the earliest, if at all? So many hours of my life spent teaching that skill only for it to vanish as soon as Level 5 arrives.
Just make it go away.
Proposal: An isolated, large cast.
I'm not opposed to the shoot-through. It's a good lead-in to the squat-on. It also helps the athlete learn how to lean their shoulders over the bar to counterbalance their body weight as they cast.
More casts early on!
Second proposal: Replace underswing dismount with a squat-on, jump down to the floor and stick.
I know. I know. The underswing plays a role in Level 5 and 6. It's just a modest proposal.
Balance Beam:
Grievance: the fish pose, and similar choreography
Okay, the fish pose is simple for Level 4. But by Level 5, I think we're ready to step up our game. We bemoan the lack of artistry in elite gymnastics these days, but look at what's mass produced at the lower levels.
Proposal: Bring back the kick turn of the old Level 5 routine (and the two split jumps in Level 6)
Sure, the kick turn wasn't essential. But it was pretty, and dance-like, and required control and flexibility while turning on the non-dominant foot.
I'm okay with the squat-turn's elimination, however. Some things don't wear well.
Floor Exercise:
Alas, we arrive at the biggest grievance of all:
GOD-AWFUL MUSIC.
Even for the most hardcore of us, compulsory gymnastics meets wear on the soul. They are repetitive. They are not exactly inspiring.
And music like this (the random rattlesnake noise is the highlight) and this don't help. At all.
Proposal: Around the world for centuries, and probably going back to when the cavemen drummed on their rocks, musical prodigies have composed lyrical, stunning pieces. Bach's not around to demand that we pay him royalties.
Let's tap in. Let's--dare I say it--teach the lowest levels to tell a story through a routine.
Sincerely,
La Em
Shall I compare thee to the previous cycle? It may happen. A little bit. But you'll handle it.
In non-iambic pentameter, I bear unto you my grievances with Level 4 and Level 5. (Level 6, I'm pretty okay with. I support the motion to exchange the aerial for the front tuck on floor. We see eye-to-eye on that.)
Vault:
Grievance: Level 4 - handstand to flat back position on the mats
I am not convinced that a solid Level 4 vault means success in training a front handspring over the table. They are two different animals.
Proposal: Push the mat behind the table. Drop the table to its lowest setting. Perform handstand to flat back in this manner -- handstand on the table, pop to flat back on mat.
Achieving a handstand on the mats and doing the same on the table are visually, physically, and mentally different experiences. Expose the athletes to the feeling of blocking off the table, as well as overcoming anxiety about reaching out.
Uneven Bars:
Grievance: the front hip circle and the mill circle
I'm still new-ish to this game. Maybe there is inherent value in the front hip circle.
But the mill circle? Teaching undergrip when an athlete might return to it at Level 7 at the earliest, if at all? So many hours of my life spent teaching that skill only for it to vanish as soon as Level 5 arrives.
Just make it go away.
Proposal: An isolated, large cast.
I'm not opposed to the shoot-through. It's a good lead-in to the squat-on. It also helps the athlete learn how to lean their shoulders over the bar to counterbalance their body weight as they cast.
More casts early on!
Second proposal: Replace underswing dismount with a squat-on, jump down to the floor and stick.
I know. I know. The underswing plays a role in Level 5 and 6. It's just a modest proposal.
Balance Beam:
Grievance: the fish pose, and similar choreography
Okay, the fish pose is simple for Level 4. But by Level 5, I think we're ready to step up our game. We bemoan the lack of artistry in elite gymnastics these days, but look at what's mass produced at the lower levels.
Proposal: Bring back the kick turn of the old Level 5 routine (and the two split jumps in Level 6)
Sure, the kick turn wasn't essential. But it was pretty, and dance-like, and required control and flexibility while turning on the non-dominant foot.
I'm okay with the squat-turn's elimination, however. Some things don't wear well.
Floor Exercise:
Alas, we arrive at the biggest grievance of all:
GOD-AWFUL MUSIC.
Even for the most hardcore of us, compulsory gymnastics meets wear on the soul. They are repetitive. They are not exactly inspiring.
And music like this (the random rattlesnake noise is the highlight) and this don't help. At all.
Proposal: Around the world for centuries, and probably going back to when the cavemen drummed on their rocks, musical prodigies have composed lyrical, stunning pieces. Bach's not around to demand that we pay him royalties.
Let's tap in. Let's--dare I say it--teach the lowest levels to tell a story through a routine.
Sincerely,
La Em
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Light as a feather
Spent last night in Connecticut at the senior womens' finals with some of the girls from my high school gymnastics team. This included: watching the actual meet, peeking into the VIP tent, pursuing Alicia Sacramone on the sidewalk, chatting with Mary Lee Tracy, and best of all, scoring a group photo with Marta Karolyi. Great success!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Live Blog: Nationals, Day I
(As opposed to Dead Blog?)
Rotation One:
-Kytra Hunter's tumbling is insane. A smile appeared during her routine, which you don't see much of these days.
-Tim and Elfi make a big deal of Mackenzie Coquatto staying on beam. She's very shaky. I feel as though if you state, "I'm going to finish in the top three" at senior nationals, you should be able to handle beam.
-I like Mattie Larson. She looks half-asleep. Her beam routine was the sads.
-I also like Alicia Sacramone's hair. No sads.
Rotation Two:
-All this "it's her title to lose" talk around Rebecca Bross reminds me of the Vanessa Atler bars drama. I'm not a huge Bross fan, but calm yourselves, commentators.
-However, her beam routine is pretty sweet. Very confident. Great pointed toes in the Arabian. A little to be desired in the sheep and switch ring. Overall, good stuff!
-I remember the meet at Brown when I beat Alicia on floor whilst she was in NCAA. A.k.a. the day she didn't compete floor.
-I love the sparkle motion on Alicia's leo. NICE layout and switch side. Also like the body wave-ish steps. Holy save on the dismount.
-Nice vault from Kytra.
-In the other room, my mom listens to "Bad Romance."
-Great double layout from Mattie. Really nice lines in her tumbling. High energy in the dance. Lol @ the strut before the last pass. Much better than beam!
-Aly Raisman's beam routine: shrug. A bit close to the beam on the dismount.
-Briley Casanova wins for the best name. Nice 1.5 turn with leg at horizontal on beam. Aaaand she's off the beam. Is it just me or do her toes flex up with her running steps? Ahh, I was a frequent offender of that.
-Vanessa Zamarripa with the old school geometric designs on the leo. Oof, fall on the full-twisting split jump. Great dismount -- stuck 2.5 twist.
Rotation Three:
-The crazy side of Alicia has settled down, a.k.a. the YouTube videos of her punching guys at parties?
-Oh, Bridget Sloan, that leotard. Yikes.
-She does, however, seem like a lovely person.
-Not particularly moved by Sophia Lee, but her music is interesting.
-I like Mattie's super casual hair. Good vault.
-How does one define an "international look"?
-Like the split jump out of Aly's first pass. Great triple full. She needs sass, stat. I feel like she's slightly off the music...not hitting the undertones.
-Nice Hindorff from Kytra. Very clean routine.
-Not really into Vanessa's choreography. However, at least it can be called choreograhy, as opposed to most of the other girls.
-I bet Lilia approves of Rebecca's first pass. Her choreographer needs to treat her kindly next time around. Eeks. Looks less confident here than on beam.
Rotation Four:
-After the Subway debacle on MIOBI, I cringe whenever Nastia opens her mouth on national television.
-Good vault from Aly. Not as grand as Alicia's will be, I wager. That better not be considered a stick.
-I love Kim Zmeskal.
-Chelsea Davis looks so young. Not like I'm one to say such things. The term "coming out party" is silly. Classy leo. I watched the Texas Dreams workout video the other day and was enthralled. SAFE. Kinda looks like she could be Chris Burdette's daughter.
-I'd like to see Mattie win. That would be cool. She is TINY. Good bars.
-"Texas just crushes everybody." - Al Trautwig
-Lots of empty seats. Maybe we'll be able to sneak to the lower levels on Saturday night!
-I like that Bross saved the stick on her vault.
-I wonder if Alicia will venture back to floor exercise ever? Not impossible.
-Damn, she attacks that table!
-Two fingers = double-twisting Yurkchenko?
-Indeed! She must be psyched.
-Must not have been fun for Bridget Sloan to compete in the last rotation. More aggressive than usual in her dance. Eeks -- comes right off in the layout step-out. Marta is not pleased, I'm sure. I thought Tim just said, "She needs to get help." He actually said, "Healthy."
-I wonder if I can obtain a piece of WOGA apparel.
Aaand we're out.
Rotation One:
-Kytra Hunter's tumbling is insane. A smile appeared during her routine, which you don't see much of these days.
-Tim and Elfi make a big deal of Mackenzie Coquatto staying on beam. She's very shaky. I feel as though if you state, "I'm going to finish in the top three" at senior nationals, you should be able to handle beam.
-I like Mattie Larson. She looks half-asleep. Her beam routine was the sads.
-I also like Alicia Sacramone's hair. No sads.
Rotation Two:
-All this "it's her title to lose" talk around Rebecca Bross reminds me of the Vanessa Atler bars drama. I'm not a huge Bross fan, but calm yourselves, commentators.
-However, her beam routine is pretty sweet. Very confident. Great pointed toes in the Arabian. A little to be desired in the sheep and switch ring. Overall, good stuff!
-I remember the meet at Brown when I beat Alicia on floor whilst she was in NCAA. A.k.a. the day she didn't compete floor.
-I love the sparkle motion on Alicia's leo. NICE layout and switch side. Also like the body wave-ish steps. Holy save on the dismount.
-Nice vault from Kytra.
-In the other room, my mom listens to "Bad Romance."
-Great double layout from Mattie. Really nice lines in her tumbling. High energy in the dance. Lol @ the strut before the last pass. Much better than beam!
-Aly Raisman's beam routine: shrug. A bit close to the beam on the dismount.
-Briley Casanova wins for the best name. Nice 1.5 turn with leg at horizontal on beam. Aaaand she's off the beam. Is it just me or do her toes flex up with her running steps? Ahh, I was a frequent offender of that.
-Vanessa Zamarripa with the old school geometric designs on the leo. Oof, fall on the full-twisting split jump. Great dismount -- stuck 2.5 twist.
Rotation Three:
-The crazy side of Alicia has settled down, a.k.a. the YouTube videos of her punching guys at parties?
-Oh, Bridget Sloan, that leotard. Yikes.
-She does, however, seem like a lovely person.
-Not particularly moved by Sophia Lee, but her music is interesting.
-I like Mattie's super casual hair. Good vault.
-How does one define an "international look"?
-Like the split jump out of Aly's first pass. Great triple full. She needs sass, stat. I feel like she's slightly off the music...not hitting the undertones.
-Nice Hindorff from Kytra. Very clean routine.
-Not really into Vanessa's choreography. However, at least it can be called choreograhy, as opposed to most of the other girls.
-I bet Lilia approves of Rebecca's first pass. Her choreographer needs to treat her kindly next time around. Eeks. Looks less confident here than on beam.
Rotation Four:
-After the Subway debacle on MIOBI, I cringe whenever Nastia opens her mouth on national television.
-Good vault from Aly. Not as grand as Alicia's will be, I wager. That better not be considered a stick.
-I love Kim Zmeskal.
-Chelsea Davis looks so young. Not like I'm one to say such things. The term "coming out party" is silly. Classy leo. I watched the Texas Dreams workout video the other day and was enthralled. SAFE. Kinda looks like she could be Chris Burdette's daughter.
-I'd like to see Mattie win. That would be cool. She is TINY. Good bars.
-"Texas just crushes everybody." - Al Trautwig
-Lots of empty seats. Maybe we'll be able to sneak to the lower levels on Saturday night!
-I like that Bross saved the stick on her vault.
-I wonder if Alicia will venture back to floor exercise ever? Not impossible.
-Damn, she attacks that table!
-Two fingers = double-twisting Yurkchenko?
-Indeed! She must be psyched.
-Must not have been fun for Bridget Sloan to compete in the last rotation. More aggressive than usual in her dance. Eeks -- comes right off in the layout step-out. Marta is not pleased, I'm sure. I thought Tim just said, "She needs to get help." He actually said, "Healthy."
-I wonder if I can obtain a piece of WOGA apparel.
Aaand we're out.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
"Hold up. What IS Level 4? Is it like World of Warcraft?"
Nay, Virginia, it's a whole different world.
The USA Gymnastics Women's Junior Olympic system ranges from Level 1 to Level 10, followed by Elite.
In recent years, an alternative competitive system has been implemented - USAIGC (Independent Gymnastics Clubs). That will be the subject of a future post!
"Wait one second. I turn on the T.V. and see girls scoring 16's. What happened to the 10.0?"
The 10.0 is still used for the levels below Elite. 10.0 = PERFECTION! While 10.0's are handed out like candy at NCAA gymnastics competitions, they're much, much rarer in other competitions.
Elite now uses an open-ended scoring system, in which a.) the execution score (out of a maximum 10.0) and b.) the difficulty score (unlimited) are added together.
Congratulations! You now know more than the average parent bringing his/her child to gymnastics!
The USA Gymnastics Women's Junior Olympic system ranges from Level 1 to Level 10, followed by Elite.
- Levels 1-6 are compulsory; USAG choreographs the routines, and they are performed identically throughout the country. For example, a Level 5 in Arizona does the same floor routine with the same music as a Level 5 in Vermont. As you can imagine, these competitions are quite riveting.
- Levels 7-Elite are optional. As long as a gymnast meets specific requirements in her routines, she's free to choreograph and use skills as she wishes.
- Some states allow gymnasts to begin competing at Level 3. At many gyms, gymnasts begin competing at Level 4 or 5.
- Gymnasts cannot skip levels. They must compete in at least one meet per level and attain the minimum mobility score (these vary by state) to move to the next level.
- Levels 5 through 7 have a state championship. Entry to these competitions is based on achieving a minimum all-around score. Level 8's can qualify to the regional championship from states, Level 9's and 10's can qualify to national competitions, and Elites, well, they can take on the world. These are the girls you see on T.V.
In recent years, an alternative competitive system has been implemented - USAIGC (Independent Gymnastics Clubs). That will be the subject of a future post!
"Wait one second. I turn on the T.V. and see girls scoring 16's. What happened to the 10.0?"
The 10.0 is still used for the levels below Elite. 10.0 = PERFECTION! While 10.0's are handed out like candy at NCAA gymnastics competitions, they're much, much rarer in other competitions.
Elite now uses an open-ended scoring system, in which a.) the execution score (out of a maximum 10.0) and b.) the difficulty score (unlimited) are added together.
Congratulations! You now know more than the average parent bringing his/her child to gymnastics!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
