Ever wondered what it would be like to be a coach once you're done with training? I always did. Having trained as a competitive gymnast for eight years, I have now shifted my focus to coaching and I love it more than I could ever have imagined. Although I miss training as much as I used to, coaching has allowed me to see the sport from a whole new perspective and use my experience to help younger girls. I want to encourage current gymnasts to consider getting into coaching as well as help coaches realise how vital and unique their role really is - here are my ten best things about being a gymnastics coach:

 

1) Spotting builds a trusting relationship

 

Through becoming a coach I have realised how challenging but also fun spotting can be. Spotting certain skills, especially tumbling, requires some serious hand-eye coordination! It's important that my athletes trust me and feel safe in trying a new skill. I know I've succeeded when they have the confidence to try something for the first time, assured that I won't let them fall. This goes a long way in helping build the strong bond between an athlete and coach.

 

2) Kids are so funny!

 

Working with children is unpredictable and often hilarious. The things that they say and do are priceless sometimes. Once, I was taking a group on bars and the youngest gymnast in the group asked if she could go and get the chalk box; I told her to hurry. About five minutes later she still hadn't returned so I went to the storage cupboard to look for her. She was sat on the ground, dipping her fingers in the chalk dust and then using them to draw white whiskers on her cheeks. She froze when she saw that I was watching her; I smiled. Relieved, she exclaimed; "Meow! I'm a cat!". She kept those whiskers on for the whole practice, it was the cutest thing ever.

 

3) Mental obstacles

 

The greatest challenges to overcome are often not the physical ones but the mental. Every gymnast is so unique; they all have different fears, different strengths and weaknesses and I thrive on the challenge of helping them overcome difficulties and develop confidence. The most rewarding times are not always the big skills, but when a gymnast overcomes her fear of jumping to catch the high bar for example.

 

4) Competitions

 

Meet days are really exciting for a coach. Its your and your gymnast's chance to show what you've been working so hard for. You have a vital role to play in keeping your athletes focused and calm to ensure they perform to the best of their ability. To be able to remain a part of the competitive world that I loved so much as a gymnast is thrilling and I feel great pride when my gymnasts succeed. I love how I still get to be so involved at meets even though it's no longer me in the leotard.

 

5) You get really good at French braids

 

Ok, this one is kinda silly, but very true. I can't even count the number of times that I've had to redo a little girl's fallen out French braid or do hair for competitions. You become an expert with scrunchies and ribbons too.

 

6) Being a role model

 

It always touches me how much gymnasts look to their coaches for advice and reassurance and how they listen to them. I treasure the opportunity to be a role model for the girls I coach and have an influence on their lives. It's a pleasure to watch and play a part in the development of their physical strength as well as their personalities. 

 

7) No uniform!

 

Although clubs have hoodies and shirts that you might have to wear, the dress code for a coach is usually pretty flexible, and comfortable too! I love shopping for new trainers and sports clothing to wear when I'm coaching. 

 

8) Parents' feedback

 

The feedback and thanks you receive from parents is really motivating as you know you're doing your job right. It's important to build two-way communication between yourself and the athletes' parents as everybody has to cooperate to maximise the child's potential. Some of the comments and feedback parents give me make the long days coaching even more worth it.

 

9) Travelling

 

Although I haven't had much experience of this yet, I hope that in pursuing a career in coaching I will get to travel to lots of international competitions and visit countries that I wouldn't otherwise have been able to. I find it really exciting to explore a new place and get a taste of a new culture, even if it's just for a day or two.

 

10) You never stop learning

 

Coaching never gets boring because you never know it all. Alongside the fact that the code of points and competition structure is constantly evolving, you are always learning from experience and refining your coaching technique. Also, I feel you can pick something up, no matter how small, from every single coach you watch or work alongside. This constant process of learning allows you to become a better and better coach and this is extremely fulfilling.

 

Thank you for reading my ten favourite things about being a gymnastics coach. I'd love to know if you're a gymnast thinking about becoming a coach or if you're a coach already and you'd add anything to this list!

 

Lucy 

 

(17 year old coach/gymnast from the UK)