Why Games Are Great for Summer Gymnastics Practice
Fun gymnastics games are a great way for students to stay in shape, continue to build skills and strength, and build a sense of teamwork in a less intense environment. They’re also a way to combat any boredom during summer vacation.
Coaches recommend incorporating fresh ways to build strength and skill to keep gymnasts engaged and motivated in a fun way. These games may incorporate some of the same equipment, like the balance beam, but the atmosphere is deliberately lighter. A board game or a talent show is another approach designed to strengthen existing skills or help build new skills.
Gymnastics games for kids are an excellent tool to add to the summer months.
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Warm-Up Games to Get Started
Keep kids in condition with gymnastics games that are designed to maintain or build muscle strength and coordination (without them even knowing it!). The “Wheelbarrow Workout” and “Coach Says” are lively activities that get the athletes engaged with their gymnastics moves in a fresh, new way. Use these two as a way to warm up the muscles in a safe, but challenging, way. They’ll also be warming up their “laughing” muscles as they have fun!
Wheelbarrow Workout
For the Wheelbarrow Workout, split the team into pairs. One half will be the” wheelbarrow” and one the “walker.” The wheelbarrow places her hands on the floor, while the walker grabs the feet and helps move her across the room. At any point, the walker can call for a push-up, in which the wheelbarrow stops to do one. Once they cross the room, they switch positions for the return.
Coach Says
This is a version of “Simon Says,” in which various moves or skills are called out as the team members attempt to be first to cross the floor. If they perform it without hearing “Coach Says,” they must start over. This game is perfect for all ages, just adjust the skill level needed.
Interactive and Team-Building Games
Team-building is an essential skill that’s needed both in competition and in real life. Approach this through these interactive gymnastics games designed to develop an awareness of unity and how to support each other to achieve a goal together.
They’ll get the gymnasts excited, enthused, and most importantly, they’ll be having a great time! This kind of positive, joyous environment can help them better internalize the importance of team building.
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Talent Show
Divide students into teams of two to four people each. Give them 10-15 minutes to come up with a gymnastics routine, then have them perform it for the other teams. Those teams vote on which routine was best (excluding themselves).
You can take it up a notch by giving each team some extra time at the end of regular practice to perfect their routine, then put it on display for parents and family.
Skills Board Game
Create and draw a “skill path” on a whiteboard, and add magnets representing each team member. Take several foam blocks and add dots to each one, as if they were dice. Each student rolls the “dice” using their magnet to start moving along the skill path on the whiteboard. When they reach a space, they must successfully perform the skill, or they move back two spaces. The first to reach the end of the path is the winner.
Skill-Building Games for Strength and Balance
Strength and balance are essential in the gymnastics world, but there are more fun ways to develop those skills outside of the usual training methods. These gymnastics activities train the body and improve balance in a lighthearted way that may prove to be a breakthrough for some students.
They may very well approach the balance beam and floor exercises in a more confident way. This can be especially helpful for younger students.
Try incorporating these gymnastics games for kids and watch them smile…and progress during the summer!
Bean Bag Beam
Help younger students improve their balance with this variation on a bean bag toss. Two students stand in the middle of the beam. After each successful toss, that student moves back a step. The first to reach the end of the beam is the winner. Or make it a team event.
Beam Switch
Two gymnasts start at each end of the beam. Both must walk to the other end of the beam, figuring out how to switch in the middle without falling!
Balancing Act
This is an exciting team-building exercise that also improves balance! The team stands in front of the balance beam; each member must get on the beam until the whole team is aboard (split into mini teams if there are too many to fit at once; the first team to complete the task, wins).
Each gymnast can mount the beam any way they’d like, but teamwork and communication are important to ensure everyone can stay on it.
Tips for Making Gymnastics Games Safe and Fun
As with a normal practice, use these tips to make gymnastics games safe and fun. Begin with a warmup to loosen the muscles, and end the games with a cool-down. Use pads and mats to make the surface safe, and work with equipment that’s suited to age and skill levels. There should always be a trained supervisor, and these games should never be practiced alone.
Students should wear appropriate attire, like gymnastic leotards for girls or gymnastic shorts for girls. It should move with them so nothing impedes their actions. Also, students should pay attention to their bodies and take breaks if needed.
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