Mancino MAT-ters

JumpStart Program-Trampoline & Tumbling

The JumpStart Program is something that was put in place within the Trampoline & Tumbling division of USA Gymnastics to identify elite athletes at a young age.  The objective is to discover athletes within the ages of 7-12 years old and put them on the right path to become successful in the elite category.

Once someone is chosen; the athlete, parents and coaches are notified.  At this time, the training requirements to pursue the elite avenue are discussed, as well as the opportunities that follow the specific training regimen.  The coaches will receive guidance and assistance from authorities within the program on how to train these talented athletes.  With everyone involved, the JumpStart members will be put on a definite “fast track”.  By driving down this track, international competition will soon follow.  Because an elite/international level is the ultimate goal, skill preparation is one of the key ingredients.  The development of skills will be focused on so that every athlete reaches their full potential.  The program will also provide a full fitness program for each athlete.

Acceptance into the JumpStart Program is by invitation only.  Testing begins at the State Level, then progresses to the National Level.  Once at the National Level, being chosen to attend the National Training Camp is a possibility.  From that, a National Team (picked annually) will be selected.  In 2009, the  Women’s National Team consisted of 21 athletes, chosen by the JumpStart Committee.

Tags: athletes, coaches, elite, JumpStart Program, Trampoline & Tumbling, USA Gymnastics

Technology Strides at Karolyi Ranch

     Over the past week, a new state-of-the-art video system was installed at the U.S. Women’s National Training Center at the Karolyi Ranch.  All that were involved (Steve Rybacki, Kathy Kelly and the U.S. Olympic Committee) in making this idea a reality are hoping that this will be an invaluable training aid for the coaches and gymnasts.  There are two cameras stationed at each event for a total of eight.  Once captured, the coaches/gymnasts will be able to view the footage on one of six-42″ plasma screen TVs.  Each routine can be viewed in one of three ways; real time, slow motion or frame by frame.  All of the footage can also be saved to view at a later date.

      This new system will be put to the test at the next National Team Camp scheduled for late January, 2010.

Tags: coaches, gymnasts, Karolyi Ranch, National Training Camp, U.S. Women's National Training Center