when to wear grips... And when to join team

[coachamyamerican]

Our girls start wearing grips around level 6 or 7. I have had a few wear them at level 5 but usually only if they are able to cast to hs and were working harder skills as well. Congrats on the move and summer is a wonderful time to make the change!

As for dowel grips... those are the only ones we allow the girls to use. Helps with hand placement and makes an extension of the fingertips for giants. Takes a little getting used to but all that have them like them. (get really attached in fact...)

[gymgymgymnast08]

We've had people who didn't start wearing grips til like level 7. One wore grips in level 3? like classes? Some of our 4's us the smaller palm grips........

[gymbum08]

thanky you! i am scared to be on a level with a uunch of little ids now! oh well. ok i will tlk to my coach tomorrow! thanks a bunch for all the help. ps. my birthday is coming up, should i ask for a rollable beam or a portable floor beam o practice at home? thanks a bunch l keep you posted.

[Tumblequeensmom]

Don't be afraid to be on a team with a "bunch of little kids"!!! My daughter is 13 and "only" a level 5.. but she absolutely loves it. She's the oldest one (the next oldest is 10), but she loves it and all the "little kids" look up to her... you'll do fine, and with your dedication, you may move up faster too!

Congrats!

[gymbum08]

News. My coach is moving to a different gym, about 3 minutes from my old one, and she invited me to go with her... what do i do?? i searched the gym she told me she was going to and it looks nice, i jus dont know how to go about choosing....

ps. i almost have my back hand springs! i also got my "sole circle"? and mill circle. as for grips i have a big rip on my hand and dont grips make your rips a bit larger?

[Aussie_coach]

There are lots of things to consider when deciding whether to stay at your current gym or go to the new one.

You want to be on the team, will both gyms put you on the team? Will both allow you to compete? Just because your coach has invited you to go there doesn't mean you will automatically be on their team and compete. Each gyms have different expectations for who they put on the team. Actually sit down and talk to the gym and find out if you can be on team. If one gym wont let you go to the other one.

How many hours training will they offer you at each gym? Which one will offer you more? Which days would you be expected to train? Are you available on those days? How much are the fee's? Are your parents happy to pay them?

The second area to look at is how comfortable you feel with the coaches. If your coach is moving gyms you may not nessesarily get to train with her at the new gym. If your coach leaves who will you train with? Who will coach you?

Also look at the make up of the teams? Which team has more girls of your age at your level? Which gym has a better program for your level?

What about the facilities does one gym have superior facilities? Foam pits, tumble traks, more space, better quality apparatus?

[tigergym]

You usually get grips one you learn achive a kip. Or that is how we do it in our gym with kids. I never got grips until i got my kip. They help you stay on the bar easier. Especially in giants. I would recogmend starting with dowel grips.. it is hard to get used to the dowel at first but it helps you get a better grip on the bar other than palm.
Great Job so far and keep up the good work!!
Good luck!!

[maddiekate]

yeah, i'm 15 too, and the other people on my team were only like 9. Its not really that embarrassing, they look up to you.

[gymbum08]

thankyou! im really greatful for the help! i almost have my backhandspring with a spot! im really exited! I still dont know if i want to swich gyms! gosh!

[lannamavity]

Quote:
Originally Posted by PeaceLoveGymnastic At my gym we never use dowel grips. They don't work as well because you can't grip the bar properly. I also use 3 hole grips (like the men) and i love them. They cover more of your hand and stay on better. Good Luck!

Maybe those grips work for some people, but there are safety reasons why men's high bar grips should not be used on uneven bars and vise-versa.

I would never recommend using grips any differently than the manufacturer does.