Rubies (3-4 Year Olds)
Rubies Skills Tree
Level 1 – Foundations
Shapes & Body Control
Tuck
Pike
Straddle
Hollow
Arch
Lunge
Basic Skills
Forward Roll
Backward Roll
Candlestick
Bridge
Handstand (against wall)
Cartwheel
Roundoff
Jumps
Straight Jump
Tuck Jump
Star Jump
Class Overview
Rubies build independence, body awareness, and listening skills in a structured class environment. Athletes begin learning foundational gymnastics shapes, safe progressions, and class discipline.
The goal is confidence + control + coordination.
“Structure builds confidence.”
Program
Foundations / Preschool Gymnastics
Level
Beginner (Pre-Rec)
Developmental Objectives (VERY IMPORTANT)
Athlete should develop:
• Ability to follow 2-step directions
• Independent station participation
• Basic shape control (tuck, pike, straddle)
• Two-foot takeoff & landing
• Beginning upper body strength
• Waiting turn without constant redirection
This prevents chaos and builds structure.
Coaching Cues
“Show me your tight body.”
“Two feet together.”
“Arms up, finish tall.”
“Freeze and stick.”
“Listen first, move second.”
Keep cues short and repeatable.
Common Challenges & Fixes
Issue: Distracted during instruction
→ Fix: 30-second instruction max. Demo immediately.
Issue: Running between stations
→ Fix: Clear start/stop markers and cones.
Issue: Sloppy landings
→ Fix: Stick & freeze challenge.
Issue: Fear on new skills
→ Fix: Regress immediately. Build success first.
Safety & Structure Notes
• 3–5 athletes per station max.
• Coach stands at hardest station.
• No rushed independence.
• Athletes rotate every 3–4 minutes.
• If form breaks twice → regress.
Safety comes from progressions, not spotting alone.
45-Minute Class Schedule
Predictable structure = better behavior.
0:00–5:00 – Welcome & Expectations
• Line up
• Review 1–2 class rules
• Quick name roll
• Show “ready position”
Set tone immediately.
5:00–12:00 – Structured Warm-Up
Group-led when possible.
Group Stretch
• Frog jumps
• High knees
• Arm circles
• Tuck, pike, straddle stretch
Add a “freeze” game for control.
Goal: Raise heart rate + activate shapes.
12:00–32:00 – Skill Stations (20 Minutes)
4 stations rotating every 4–5 minutes.
Example layout:
1️⃣ Floor Shapes + Forward Roll
• Tuck hold
• Wedge roll
• Stand & finish
2️⃣ Balance & Beam
• Straight walks
• Side steps
• Freeze pose
3️⃣ Bars / Grip
• Bar hang
• Knee lift hold
• Assisted pullover progression
4️⃣ Jump & Land
• Two-foot jumps
• Panel mat jumps
• Stick & freeze challenge
Coach at most technical station.
32:00–40:00 – Strength & Control Block
Keep short and engaging.
• Hollow hold (10 seconds)
• Crab walks
• Wall handstand hold
• Jump squats
Game format works best.
40:00–45:00 – Cool Down & Wins
• Light stretch
• “Show me your favorite skill”
• Sticker or stamp
• Positive reinforcement
Every athlete leaves feeling successful.
Class Progression Formula
1️⃣ Shape
2️⃣ Drill
3️⃣ Assisted skill
4️⃣ Independent skill
5️⃣ Consistency
Never skip shape work.
Conditioning Focus for Rubies
• Core control
• Grip strength
• Landing mechanics
• Listening under movement
Games beat counting.
