Teaching_Gymnastics_-_A_Guide_for_the_Teaching_and_Spotting_of_Biginner_Skills_-_Chapter_3_-_Spottin

Spotting is the physical assistance a gymnast recives during the execution of gymnastics skills. Effective spotting requires strength, concentration, coordination, and endurance. Like other physical skills, good spotting is acquired through practice.

The spotter's primary function is to prevent the gymnast's head from hitting the floor. In gymnastics, the most serious injuries are head and cervical injuries.

Junior and senior high school age

The hand belt, overhead mounted belt and overhead traveling belt

The spotter will tire quickly and be unable to maintain enough strength to spot numerous repetitions with poor technique, such as straight knees and arms.

Manual spotting typically progresses from maximal assistance — a heavy spot — to minimal assistance — a light spot.

8:1

Spotters should avoid poor technique and positioning which could lead to lower-back stress, shoulder fatique, and extreme elbow soreness. Also, the spotter should maintain communication with the gymnast as to which skill is being worked, which leg is the working leg; a spotter could be kicked were there a misunderstanding.

The point of departure toward performing any skill is the performance of spotted skills. The spotter must both communicate information as well as assist physically durring the gymnasts progression to mastery of the skill.