Intermediate class gymnasts put on a performance for parents at the weekend after their planned display at a carnival at Ysgol y Waun, Gwernaffield, was affected by the wet weather. Coach Emily said all the coaches, including Shelley, Julie and Jo, were proud of their efforts.
Rain fails to dampen spirits
Posted in intermediate
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Competition success
Betty, Amelia, Ceri, Bella and Shelley
Well done to Amelia and Bella who competed in the Out of Age Level 3 competition in Cardiff on Sunday, writes head coach Ceri.
It was a big step up with some girls competing more difficult skills but they did well with Amelia finishing 2nd on beam and 4th overall and Bella 4th on vault and floor.
Thank you too to Betty for her support on the floor and to Shelley for judging.
Posted in advanced, coaches, competition
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Straddle: Move of the month
This month we’re focusing on straddle and working towards a straddle press. Why don’t you give it a go too?
Step 1
Sit in a nice wide straddle. Toes pointed. Knees pressed into the ground. Back straight. Ask the gymnast to show you a ‘rainbow’ (sweeping from toe to toe over the top of the head); then ‘raindrops’, (patter hands on ground); and sunshine, (hands sparkling above head)
Step 2
From hands up in ‘sunshine’ bring hands down on either side of one thigh. Lift leg off the ground keeping knee straight and toes pointed. The movement should be in the hip, not by leaning backwards. Lift 5 times, rest, repeat and then repeat with the other leg.
Step 3
Bring hands up into ‘sunshine’ then place in front on the mat. Hands flat on the floor with thumbs facing forwards. This time lift both legs. Try not to rock backwards. Movement should be in the hip. Keep knees straight and toes pointed. Repeat 5 times, rest and go again.
Step 4
Hands back in the middle (flat with thumbs facing forward), lift bottom off the floor 5 times, rest and repeat.
Step 5
Straddle press: This time its bottom and feet off the ground at the same time! Hold for 5 and then rest.
Step 6
Stretch it out: Hands above head arms squeezing the ears and fold forward from the hips. Keep the back straight and arms squeezed towards ears. Then back up again, keeping ears squeezed and back flat.
Step 6
Thanks to Amelia for the demonstration and Milly for the photos
Posted in preschool
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Coaches gain qualifications
Well done to our coaches Helen and Julie who passed their General Gymnastics Level 2 Qualification. Here, Helen describes more about the course which started in March with four days at Ynys Mon Gymnastics Club in Holyhead…
We learnt how to improve our coaching skills and techniques, as well as how to organise and run classes safely.
The next three months were spent completing our logbooks and being mentored whilst practising what we’d learnt.
Last week, we had our final assessment which consisted of running a class and coaching gymnasts whilst being observed.
We also had two tricky exam papers. We were both really nervous and didn’t want to let ourselves or the club down.
Thankfully, after a stressful three hours, we both passed and we are now fully fledged level 2 coaches.
We’re both over the moon, relieved and a bit proud of ourselves!
Thanks to our fellow coaches and mentors for their help and support and our lovely gymnasts who were great and easy to coach.
And thanks to Mr Buckley and head coach Ceri for putting us forward for the qualification and motivating us throughout.
Posted in coaches
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Buckley Gymnastics Club 
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