A gymnastics coach trains a gymnastics team or gymnast. A person with this title is often responsible for assessing the gymnasts in his charge and discovering their strengths and weaknesses. He may then use this assessment to figure out how the athletes can further develop their skills as well as to choose events that allow them to demonstrate their talents, challenge themselves, and move closer to their full potential. A gymnastics coach has the job of motivating and encouraging the gymnasts for which he is responsible while also providing feedback and constructive criticism.
One of the jobs a gymnastics coach typically has is helping the gymnasts in his charge work on various types of gymnastics movements and exercises. For example, a coach may lead gymnasts through exercises that help them build their strength and improve their conditioning. These exercises may not only help ensure their ability to perform well as gymnasts, but may also help them avoid injuries. A gymnastics coach may also lead the gymnasts through a variety of moves they may perform at events and exhibitions, helping them hone their skills and further develop their ability.
A gymnastics coach may also seek out and select events at which his gymnasts will perform and compete. When doing so, he typically takes into account the demands of their current schedules in order to avoid overtaxing them. This is important, as breaks between events may help gymnasts to be at their best and avoid injuries and poor performance caused by fatigue. Additionally, he may try to balance events that are relatively easy for the gymnasts with those that present more of a challenge.
Often, a gymnastics coach also videotapes performances. He may then review the tapes, along with the gymnasts, in order to provide constructive criticism and feedback. These reviews may help the athletes to pinpoint issues and become better gymnasts. A gymnastics coach may sometimes tape practices for this purpose as well.
A person may prepare to become a gymnastics coach by gaining experience in the field. For example, he may start out as a gymnast himself and go on to become a coach. Some people, however, start out by assisting with various types of gymnastics training classes or becoming assistants to head coaches. There are also special training programs a person may take to prepare to become a coach or instructor. An individual may even seek certification as a coach, which may involve paying a fee and passing an exam.
