Q:  Is there a Youth Acrobatics & Tumbling program?
A:  Yes, USA Gymnastics sponsors Youth Team Acrobatics & Tumbling. 

Q: Do I need to train athletes at my gym in the collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling skills now?
A:  We recommend that coaches continue to train student-athletes in their current discipline, emphasizing strengthening of key body positions – hollow body, tight body arch, handstand, straddle, and pike – and core strength training.  For some examples of drills you can incorporate, check out our Acrobatics & Tumbling Skill Shorts featuring some of the basic skills seen in collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling. It is not necessary to train collegiate level skills in order for a student-athlete to be recruited.

Q:  Are there any basic drills appropriate for youth athletes that would introduce them to the skill set used in collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling?
A: For some examples of drills you can incorporate into your existing training; check out our Acrobatics & Tumbling Skill Shorts featuring some of the basic skills seen in collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling. In addition to the link on our website, Skill Shorts can be found on the NCATA YouTube page.  Alerts to new videos are also shared on our social media outlets (@TheNCATA). 
 
Q:  Should athletes at my gym train on a non-spring floor?
A: Athletes may continue to train on a spring floor or other training floors or surfaces.  NCATA coaches will teach student-athletes how to transition to a non-spring floor when they arrive on campus.
 
Q:  What if my athletes have never trained in pairs or small groups?
A:  Many Acrobatics & Tumbling student-athletes have not trained in groups or have had limited experience in groups.  Not to worry!  Student-athletes will learn how to apply their skill set in groups as they begin training on a collegiate team. From our experience, that is an easy transition for student-athletes during the fall pre-season training period.
 
Q:  Can my elite athletes continue their national team training?
A:  Student-athletes are permitted to continue as an amateur competitor in their discipline at the national level.  If a student-athlete would like to do so, be sure there is open communication with the collegiate coach and club coach about the goals of the student-athlete.