The Rookie Coaches Gymnastics Guideprovides a unique combination of coaching advice and gymnastics information for the entry-level gymnastics coach. This concise book presents the basic principles of coaching and shows you how to teach gymnastics skills to girls and boys. Developed by the American Coaching Effectiveness Program (now the American Sport Education Program) in cooperation with USA Gymnastics, the Rookie Coaches Gymnastics Guideis devoted to giving developing youth coaches the general coaching and specific sport information they need to be successful. This book details: - your major responsibilities as a coach, - the tools required to be an effective coach, - the communication skills necessary for coaching young gymnasts, - the steps in planning classes and teaching gymnastics skills, - the basics for preventing and caring for injuries, and - ways to protect yourself from legal liability. In addition, the book gives you essential gymnastics information, including: - an overview of the sport; - descriptions for 55 body positions, skills, and terms; - self-tests and checklists to gauge your knowledge; - extensive illustrations of basic skills; - the part-whole method of teaching gymnastics skills; - sample lesson plans; and - warm-up stretches. The book also presents six lessons that feature a floor plan for apparatuses, time allotments for each skill, illustrations of proper techniques, and safety and teaching tips. Lessons cover topics such as balance, moving backward, strength development, coordination, flexibility, and muscular endurance. By combining the fundamentals of coaching and gymnastics in one resource, the Rookie Coaches Gymnastics Guideprovides all the basic information entry-level gymnastics coaches and instructors need to make their coaching experience safe, successful, and enjoyable. USA Gymnastics is proud to use the Rookie Coaches Gymnastics Guidein its Professional Development Program--workshops, clinics, and seminars that prepare coaches and instructors for the responsibilities of teaching children sport skills.