Competitive opportunities at the highest end of U.S. men's gymnastics have diminished somewhat in recent decades. In 2011, only 17 NCAA gymnastics teams competed at the NCAA Division I level, down from approximately 60 major college programs in the 1960s. But USA Gymnastics is working to develop and support boys gymnastics programs at the grass-roots level. High-quality programs operate across the country, offering instruction to novice gymnasts up to aspiring national-caliber competitors.
Differences Between Boys and Girls Gymnastics
Boys gymnastics features six competitive events compared to the four in girls competition. The two sports feature some overlap with the vault and floor exercise events. But once boys move past the earliest stage in their development, they must begin learning skills specific to men's competition: the still rings, pommel horse, parallel bars and horizontal bar. Some schools offering early-age training for boys do not offer competitive gymnastic training.
USA Gymnastics Mentor Clubs
Scores of outstanding boys gymnastics schools and clubs exist across the country. For a frame of reference, parents can compare prospective schools to the clubs that earned "mentor" designation from USA Gymnastics. They are: North Valley Gymnastics, Phoenix, Arizona; Buffalo Grove Gymnastics, Tallahassee, Florida.; Hawkeye Gymnastics, Iowa City, Iowa; Maine Academy. Westbrook, Maine; High Sierra Gymnastics, Reno, Nevada; Surgents's Elite Gymnastics, Roselle Park, New Jersey; Eagle Ridge Gymnastics, Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Champions Gymnastics, Katy, Texas; and Metropolitan Gymnastics, Kent, Washington.
Getting Started In Gymnastics
In the first four levels of competitive gymnastics, boys begin developing the fundamental skills needed to master the six events. Jim Hisey, operator of Gym Force in Tallahassee, Florida, notes that boys can progress quickly while following the Basic Skills Achievement Program designed by USA Gymnastics and practicing one or two hours per week. Once the basics are mastered, gymnasts can set their goals for climbing the competitive ladder.
USA Gymnastics Reference Material
USA Gymnastics is a valuable resource for gymnasts, coaches and parents. It offers a variety of reference materials on boys gymnastics, including the "Basic Skills Achievement Program" brochure and DVD that describe the skills progressions required in the six men's events. The "Men's Junior Olympic Age Group Competitive Program" materials provide information on competing in Levels 4 to 6 for gymnasts 6 years old and up. The "Future Stars Manual" describes the routines and testing required for state, regional and national competition for gymnasts 8 years old and up.
Member Comments