Emerald ( beginning for 5-6 year olds)
Emerald Beginner
Ages 5–6
Program Focus
Strong body positions
Independent basic tumbling
Confidence on low beam
Beginning strength for future back handsprings
Shapes & Control
Tuck, Pike, Straddle (held 5 seconds)
Hollow Hold (5 seconds)
Arch Hold (5 seconds)
Lunge with proper arms
Tumbling
Forward Roll (flat surface)
Backward Roll (with light spot)
Cartwheel (over line)
Handstand (against wall, 5 seconds)
Bridge Hold (10 seconds) Beam
Walk Forward (no wobble)
Tiptoe Walk
Straight Jump on Low Beam
Arabesque (3 seconds)
Strength
5 Push-Ups (modified ok)
10 Hollow Rocks
10 Donkey Kicks
Tumbling
Backward Roll (independent)
Cartwheel (clean arms & lunge finish)
Roundoff (introduced)
Handstand (3 seconds unassisted)
Bridge Kickover (with spot)
Connections
Forward Roll + Jump
Cartwheel + Cartwheel
Roundoff Rebound
Beam
Half Turn
Jump to Stick
Side Steps
Lever to T
Class Overview
Emeralds builds stronger skill progressions, cleaner shapes, and increased athlete accountability. Athletes begin refining foundational skills while developing strength, control, and consistency.
The goal is control + discipline + clean execution.
“Clean shapes build clean skills.”
Program
Recreational Gymnastics
Level
Intermediate (5–6 Years)
Developmental Objectives (VERY IMPORTANT)
Athlete should demonstrate:
• Ability to follow 3-step directions
• Independent station work without constant redirection
• Controlled two-foot landings
• Strong hollow & arch shapes (10–15 seconds)
• Ability to self-correct basic mistakes
• Waiting turn without behavior issues
This prevents rushed progressions.
Coaching Cues
“Arms up, finish tall.”
“Tight core.”
“Push through shoulders.”
“Control first, speed second.”
“Freeze and stick.”
Keep cues short and consistent.
Common Errors & Fixes
Issue: Rushing skills
→ Fix: Miss twice → regress.
Issue: Bent arms in support skills
→ Fix: Add more strength holds.
Issue: Loose body during rolls
→ Fix: Revisit tuck holds + wedge drills.
Issue: Talking during instruction
→ Reset expectations immediately.
Safety & Structure Notes
• 3–4 athletes per station.
• Coach at highest-risk station.
• Rotate every 7–8 minutes.
• No independence before shape mastery.
• If form breaks twice → regress.
Progressions protect athletes.
55-Minute Class Schedule
Structured. Efficient. Intentional.
0:00–5:00 – Welcome & Expectations
• Line up in ready position
• Roll call/Stretch
• Review expectations
• Quick reminder of focus skill
Tone = focused, not chaotic.
5:00–15:00 – Dynamic Warm-Up
• Jog lap or skip
• Bear crawl
• Crab walk
• High knees
• Arm swings
• Tuck / Pike / Straddle stretch
• Hollow hold (10 sec)
• Arch hold (10 sec)
Activate shapes early.
15:00–43:00 – Skill Stations (28 Minutes)
4 stations rotating every 7 minutes.
Example setup:
1️⃣ Floor – Forward Roll → Handstand
• Clean forward roll
• Handstand against wall
• Snap-down drill
2️⃣ Beam – Control & Balance
• Straight walk
• Relevé hold
• Side step + freeze
• Basic jumps (stick finish)
3️⃣ Bars – Strength & Intro Progressions
• Bar hang (10–15 sec)
• Knee lifts
• Pullover progression (spotted if ready)
4️⃣ Vault / Jump & Rebound
• Rebound jumps
• Panel mat jumps
• Stick & freeze challenge
Coach at the most technical station.
43:00–52:00 – Strength & Conditioning
• Hollow hold (15 sec)
• Arch hold
• Wall handstand hold
• Plank shoulder taps
• Squat jumps
• Bar hang challenge
Shapes > reps.
52:00–55:00 – Cool Down & Wins
• Quick stretch
• “What did you improve today?”
• Recognize effort
• Controlled dismissal
Finish structured and positive.
Class Progression Formula
1️⃣ Shape
2️⃣ Drill
3️⃣ Assisted Skill
4️⃣ Independent Skill
5️⃣ Consistency
No skipping steps.
Conditioning Focus
• Core control
• Shoulder strength
• Grip strength
• Landing mechanics
• Listening under structure
At this level, discipline increases.
