The art of Progressions is the foundation of teaching and learning Gymnastics. This makes it safe and approachable for anyone, regardless of the amount of experience they have.
The first step is to break down the skill and learn the movement pattern. For example, if the skill is a backward tuck, then the very basic movement pattern is a straight jump followed by tucking the knees into the chest. This is practiced without the full turnover against a wall or on a resi pit so that you can learn to apply speed and power to the skill. It also teaches you to jump high before tucking.
Once you know what you're supposed to be doing you practice with assistance. The ides is to make strength and power requirements less by using mat layouts and elevation. For example, doing a back tuck into the foam pit to make sure you're landing on your feet or using the trampoline so you can focus on the flip and not worry about the height. From there the coach will spot you through the skill. This will provide enough support without taking the hard work out of the task. You'll be given some helpful hints on how to improve from your coach and gain confidence.
Then practice makes perfect! It will take 800 repetitions to perfect the action so that the body does it instinctively. That doesn't mean 800 back tucks, that means 800 progressions! Practicing the individual drills for a skill keeps you from getting sloppy and picking up bad habits. It also keeps you from getting injured.
