H
Harv
Okay, we're finally coming back to earth after our unexpectedly successful state meet last weekend (thanks for all the kind words on that thread). The boys get a well-earned week off, and then back to the workouts.
Before the competition season even began, our coaches told us that my boy would almost surely be moved up from level 4 to level 5 if he did as well as they expected. Now, based on his last few performances, they're talking about maybe skipping level 5 and put him straight into level 6. No actual decision yet, and I'm sure they would evaluate him carefully before doing so, but now they've got Dad thinking again. I hate when that happens.
I've been doing one of those pros and cons things in my head, and I think I'd like to have some of your experienced opinions on the matter. It might help to keep in mind that this was his first year in competitive gymnastics, and being somewhat of a late starter, he's a few years older (he's 11) than his current L4 teammates.
My first take is something like this:
Pros
He seems capable of L5 and L6 skills. Just needs to develop a dependable handstand.
He constantly wants to be challenged.
He would be with kids closer to his own age (some of the younger L4s have been driving him crazy lately ).
His new coach may be better for him.
Cons
His workout would go from 7 hours to 9 hours a week (hope he's ready for that).
Medals might be harder to come by if he does level 6 meets.
Doctor says he's right in the middle of a growth spurt (6 inches so far). Will that make him awkward?
His new coach may be worse for him.
No crisis here, and probably plenty of time. I'm just hoping some of you have gone through this stuff and might have words of wisdom to share.
- Harv
Before the competition season even began, our coaches told us that my boy would almost surely be moved up from level 4 to level 5 if he did as well as they expected. Now, based on his last few performances, they're talking about maybe skipping level 5 and put him straight into level 6. No actual decision yet, and I'm sure they would evaluate him carefully before doing so, but now they've got Dad thinking again. I hate when that happens.
I've been doing one of those pros and cons things in my head, and I think I'd like to have some of your experienced opinions on the matter. It might help to keep in mind that this was his first year in competitive gymnastics, and being somewhat of a late starter, he's a few years older (he's 11) than his current L4 teammates.
My first take is something like this:
Pros
He seems capable of L5 and L6 skills. Just needs to develop a dependable handstand.
He constantly wants to be challenged.
He would be with kids closer to his own age (some of the younger L4s have been driving him crazy lately ).
His new coach may be better for him.
Cons
His workout would go from 7 hours to 9 hours a week (hope he's ready for that).
Medals might be harder to come by if he does level 6 meets.
Doctor says he's right in the middle of a growth spurt (6 inches so far). Will that make him awkward?
His new coach may be worse for him.
No crisis here, and probably plenty of time. I'm just hoping some of you have gone through this stuff and might have words of wisdom to share.
- Harv