Spotting vs. No Spotting

Spotting VS. No Spotting

So, this is a very difficult topic, but we are here for it!

We get a lot of questions/concerns that coaches aren’t spotting during class and that these athletes aren’t getting the best coaching possible.

Unfortunately, this is a BIG misconception!

Spotting is NOT the most effective way for athletes to learn new skills.

Alternatively, learning new skills through progressions and drills is an effective way for athletes to rely on themselves and feel a real sense of accomplishment when achieving a new skill in the gym. Rather than coaches moving their body through the motion without the athlete learning the proper technique. By using progressions, athletes are able to develop the strength and muscle memory needed to perform the skills.

From a coaching point of view, it is MUCH better to not spot…. It allows us to focus on the group as a whole and provide targeted and specific feedback/corrections to each and every athlete on all the stations rather than focusing specifically on one station that we are spotting.

Athletes can learn so many more skills by using progressions.

This is why we like to focus on progressions rather than spotting, this allows athletes to learn new skills without the need for constant hands-on spotting from coaches. This is especially important through COVID as well, as spotting is only used when absolutely needed for the safety of the athlete.

Here are a few progressions we love in the gym!!

Chin-Up Pullover on Bar-

For this skill, we often times place blocks in front of the high bar. This allows for the athlete to walk their feet up the mats in order to be equal height with the bar. This makes it easier for the athlete to kick their legs around the bar and helps build arm strength.

Handstand-

This piked handstand is a progression for handstands that athletes can work on before they try a full handstand. For this progression we use a block or a cheese mat and have the athletes practice a tight core, arms, legs, etc. By holding this position in a piked handstand, the athlete has demonstrated a safe basis for a handstand.