Sapphire (Intermediate 3-4 Year Olds)
Sapphire
Focus Areas
Listening & following directions
Body shapes & control
Beginning independence
Confidence on basic equipment
Shapes
Tuck
Pike
Straddle
Straight Body
Star
Lunge
Rolls
Forward Roll (down incline)
Log Roll
Donkey Kicks
Balancing
3-second Handstand (against wall, assisted)
Balance Beam Walk (low beam)
Releve Walk
Passe
Arabesque (2 seconds)
Jumps
Straight Jump
Tuck Jump
Star Jump
Jump off block & stick
Class Overview
Sapphires introduces early independence, listening skills, and foundational gymnastics shapes in a structured but playful environment.
Athletes begin learning how to rotate through stations, follow 2-step directions, and perform skills with basic control.
The goal is independence + body control + confidence.
“Structure builds security. Security builds confidence.”
Program
Preschool Gymnastics Foundations
Level
Beginner (Early Preschool)
Developmental Objectives (VERY IMPORTANT)
Athlete should develop:
• Ability to follow 2-step directions
• Wait for turn with minimal redirection
• Two-foot takeoff and landing
• Basic shapes (tuck, straddle, straight body)
• Controlled forward rolls
• Basic grip strength (5–10 sec hang)
This prevents chaos and builds structure.
Coaching Cues
“Arms up!”
“Two feet together.”
“Freeze and stick.”
“Tight body.”
“Listen first.”
Keep cues short and consistent.
Common Challenges & Fixes
Issue: Running between stations
→ Fix: Clear visual start/stop markers.
Issue: Not finishing skills
→ Fix: “Freeze count” rule (1–2–3).
Issue: Fear of rolling
→ Fix: Start with wedge + heavy assistance.
Issue: Short attention span
→ Fix: Rotate every 3–4 minutes max.
Safety & Structure Notes
• 3–4 athletes per station.
• Coach positioned at hardest station.
• Rotate quickly.
• No inverted skills beyond wedge rolls.
• Keep equipment low and stable.
Progressions prevent injuries.
45-Minute Class Schedule
Consistency matters at this age.
0:00–5:00 – Welcome & Rules
• Line up on spot markers
• Review 1–2 rules
• Big stretch arms
• Jump together
Set tone immediately.
5:00–12:00 – Structured Warm-Up
• Bear crawl
• Frog jumps
• Tiptoe walks
• Arm circles
• Tuck / Straddle stretch
Add “freeze” game for listening.
Goal: Energy up + focus engaged.
12:00–32:00 – Skill Stations (20 Minutes)
4 stations rotating every 4–5 minutes.
Example setup:
1️⃣ Floor – Shapes + Forward Roll
• Tuck hold
• Wedge roll
• Stand & finish
2️⃣ Beam – Balance
• Straight walk
• Side steps
• Freeze pose
3️⃣ Bars – Grip & Strength
• Bar hang
• Knee lift hold
• Jump to hang
4️⃣ Jump & Land
• Panel mat jumps
• Two-foot takeoff
• Stick & freeze
Coach at highest risk station.
32:00–40:00 – Strength & Control Block
Keep playful but intentional.
• Hollow hold (5–10 sec)
• Crab walks
• Wall plank hold
• Jump squats
Game format works best.
40:00–45:00 – Cool Down & Wins
• Light stretch
• “Show me your best freeze!”
• Sticker or stamp
• Positive send-off
End with success.
Class Progression Formula
1️⃣ Shape
2️⃣ Drill
3️⃣ Assisted skill
4️⃣ Independent attempt
5️⃣ Repeat for control
Never rush independence.
Conditioning Focus
• Core awareness
• Grip strength
• Landing control
• Listening under movement
Play-based but structured.
