DD got tested last night at gym. She isn't moving up. We were told in December she needed to have her pullover back-hip circle on the bar. She has consistently been doing the pull over and finally did the back hip while tested with Coach A and it was beautiful. Coach A now tells DD's Coach P and DD that she also needs a back-walk-over on the floor, full handstand on the beam, more consistent bar skills and 2 other skills on the bar that aren't even taught in her class because all of her class can do this right now and she doesn't want to hold her class back by adding in DD. But the girls from DD's class that moved up last time had none of those skills and have acquired them in this class. Coach P pointed this out and Coach A was like I know you come to open gym so work on those skills there and I will test again at the end of May. Coach A didn't say one positive thing to DD and both Coach P and I were really impressed. DD's goal is to do team gymnastics and you have to go through Coach A to get to pre-team. DD isn't super bummed and actually counting down time until Friday night's open gym so that she can go work on her homework list. I'm going to talk to Coach P about privates next Wednesday night for some actual coach instructions on the homework list instead of getting help from other kids or me watching instruction videos on it and trying to play coach.
Post by covergirl82 on Apr 12, 2018 11:13:30 GMT -5
186momx, that is disheartening for your DD. I'm sorry. Are there any other gyms in your area? Or is this one you're at the only one or "best" one?
We are in a bit of a lull for sports. DS is done with basketball and now just has baseball practice (2x per week) for two weeks before they start games. DD is still doing gymnastics once a week.
I signed the kids up for summer sports camps. DS is doing basketball and football (skills only, no contact) and DD is doing gymnastics. They are just 4 days each, for a few hours a day.
Sorry about the gymnastics. Same thing happened to DD. They didn't move her up because she had a bad testing day, said she needed X skills to move up, she acquired those skills, but they moved the bar and said this is why they typically only move up twice a year. We quit gymnastics, not exactly because of that but it didn't help.
I've shared before my frustration with team sports. DD almost always somehow ends up on teams that suck BAD. No matter the sport, every game is a total blowout, like 22-2 in soccer. Football was better but it's the only one. The main problem is the teams carry over, so all the new kids end up on crappy teams of new kids with new coaches. It's not about winning and losing, but it is disheartening to lose every game by that much, and inexperienced players and coaches means the kids don't learn very much. I posted on FB to see if there were leagues of pretty much any sport that don't carry forward the same team every season, which is how we came to roller hockey. They have player evaluations and create the teams to be even.
Problem is there are only 2 teams in DD's level, and they are NOT even. Last game was 11-3. Previous was 3-2 but that's because it was the start of spring break so a few kids were gone. And of course DD is on the worse team. She also hates practice, hates all the padding (I knew she would), and only enjoys the games (even if she loses). She's actually not bad for her league (which is the B league for the 6-8 year olds); she just needs to work on speed and stopping/turning and she'll be pretty good. She scored one last game and did great in practice...when she bothered. In good news it really is amazing exercise. She ends every practice and game in a drenching sweat. I know the pads are part of it but still.
Sports lull here as well. DD did swimming over spring break but it was only 4 lessons. She didn't pass even though she was WAY better than all the other kids. They did the report cards after the 3rd lesson, so they didn't use 1/4 of her lessons time to grade her. Apparently only her back float needs help. Oh well, it's preschool swimming still, she can start the "real" levels when she turns 6. We are super impressed with how much she's improved, she can actually swim now, and doesn't freak out putting her face underwater anymore.
She starts skating lessons Sunday. Soccer is supposed to start in 3 weeks but there is still a few feet of snow in all the fields... start date might get postponed.
Post by covergirl82 on Apr 12, 2018 12:08:52 GMT -5
Speaking of swim class, both kids have been in a swim class (at our local Y) since January. (We did 2 sessions, which is in addition to at least 2 last summer, as well as multiple parent-child sessions before that, and both can barely doggy-paddle.) It is the bane of my existence right now. They are not really improving, and even though DH has been the one who wants them to do the class, guess who has been the primary parent to actually get them there (for a class that starts at 5:35, no less)? Yup, me. I'm really over it. Next week is the last class, and I am so excited. (And of course, DH has to travel for work that day, so he won't be able to help get them there.)
akafred, I want to punch any coach that runs up the score like that. We had a game like that in basketball, except we were way ahead. So the head coach and I started adding rules... no shooting until 5 passes... if you've scored, you can't shoot until everyone else on the team has scored...No dribbling once over 1/2 court - only passing, and pass 5 times before shooting. The kids still played and got to work on their skills, and the other team caught up a bit.
Soccer for DD2 - same. Her team STUNK. Her team was cobbled together 5 and 6 year olds and didn't practice, and she was playing against teams that were 7-8 and had been playing together for years. I took one photo during a game - DD came up to her opponent's belly button. It was supposed to be a 6 and under league. Pretty sure that kid shaved before the game. But to even it out, they started playing 8 v 4. It helped.
We are in between seasons right now. Softball should have started, but it's too d@mn cold to run a practice. Not running a practice when it's 43 degrees and alternating between drizzle and snow. Sorry. At least in soccer you're running around. Softball is too much standing for that garbage weather.
Post by CrazyLucky on Apr 12, 2018 12:48:07 GMT -5
Yesterday was my first practice coaching DD. Up until now I have coached DS. They had plenty of coaches at DS's age level, but needed them for DD, so it worked out great. I think it will be good for DS too. He seems to take feedback better from not-me. I'm excited that DS is playing "real" baseball now, with typical rules, but also worried about the hit to his self esteem when he realizes he is not one of the good players. As long as he keeps having fun, I'll enjoy watching and cheering him on.
Our gym (NW) is known for being picky about precise skills at the team level. Say a girl from NAAG wants to switch to NW and has been competing level 4 but will more than likely be tested on put in level 3 because of some minor technical adjustments. I think a lot of this has to do is that as you level up most gyms fees go up so a lot of the gyms around us advance girls faster than they probably should so they getting more $$$. Our gym has the same fee scale for level 3-5 and 7-10 so they want good skills for move up so they are more successful. Our gym is also 25% cheaper than the other gym as it is part of the park district, same level of coaches and gymnasts just subsidized by tax payer money.
We will see what happens the big twice yearly move up is in June so A's class will loose 3-5 girls to pre-team so hopefully by then DD can move up. Its hard to watch because she is too advance for her current class but not advance enough for the next class.
akafred, that is horrible. I wish they had built in rules stating if the score is X points ahead that the better team needs to be handicapped somehow. My dad and my brothers soccer coach did what mae0111, said when the team was way ahead of the other. The boys still had fun but it gave the other team a shot.
covergirl82, this is why I've been avoiding signing DD up for swim lessons. DH wants her to do them but wants no business in taking her or helping. DD finally just enjoys being in the pool and doesn't death gripe everyone.
DD’s first softball practice went about as well as could be expected, so I’m pleased. The coaches were nice. The kids were all nice. The first graders from DD’s school did seem to know who she was, but in a welcoming kind of way. So they weren’t the bullies. Whew.
DD is a total space cadet on the field, as expected. She was enthusiastic when it was her turn, but was frequently not paying attention, digging in the dirt in the infield, and wandered away a few times. She’s also soooooo uncoordinated that she’s not likely to make up for her awkwardness by being talented. Love her anyway.
Speaking of swim class, both kids have been in a swim class (at our local Y) since January. (We did 2 sessions, which is in addition to at least 2 last summer, as well as multiple parent-child sessions before that, and both can barely doggy-paddle.) It is the bane of my existence right now. They are not really improving, and even though DH has been the one who wants them to do the class, guess who has been the primary parent to actually get them there (for a class that starts at 5:35, no less)? Yup, me. I'm really over it. Next week is the last class, and I am so excited. (And of course, DH has to travel for work that day, so he won't be able to help get them there.)
I didn't get DS off the floaties until he did daily swim class for about 2 months at summer camp. He was off the floaties at age 5.
I will do the same thing for DD this year who is 5 now. It is convenient for me because I just drop them off at the pool in the morning, and then the counselors get them out and dressed for camp.
The weekly swim classes don't progress them that much. I still do them for various reasons, but the really get them competent I think they need a good patch of time where they are in the pool almost every day. We also made some progress where we took a vacation, and there was a pool that they could swim in daily.
ETA- The both don't have good strokes, so I am hoping that the weekly class helps them just look better stroke wise in the water. Also you might try a different school. I mean DS kind of looks like doggie paddle, but he moves better than that if that makes sense. I mean he swims well, but doesn't look great form.
Post by sandandsea on Apr 12, 2018 18:02:28 GMT -5
We are for sure skipping spring soccer and ds is racing instead. He will be missing a day of school for his first competitive kart race in May. He’s excited to be racing other kids now and I hope we can make time for him to get enough laps and be competitive and learn. Mostly I’m praying he stays safe!
waverly, t-ball/baseball here is short season unless you sign up for Babe Ruth or Little League. I think the rec league goes for 4-5 weeks because they can't start until spring soccer is over. The more competitive leagues have already started and you had to enroll back in February.
DS (9) had his first fencing tournament. He’s been doing it for about 10 months now. It ended up being all boys from his club that he fenced and his coach came. They aren’t usually able to come to them all but he came to this one which worked out. The ref explained things really well to the boys who were new and was really patient and professional. We have been told to set standards really....realistic. Like, don’t expect to win or even to place, but aim to get one point in each bout. He did, and most importantly had fun and wants to do another one.
DD (6) is doing her second round of soccer and she has a lot of fun with that. She’s following directions and having fun. Just right!
Post by mustardseed2007 on Apr 13, 2018 5:30:39 GMT -5
DS just had a baseball game wednesday and it was a blow out (we lost). They do have a mercy rule in that one team can only score 5 points in an inning. So...that's how our team moved on each inning.
It's coach pitch and our normal coach was not able to pitch, which was disappointing b/c DS' swing has really improved and apparently he hit a lot during practice last week.
Guys. They originally had practices at 6pm and moved them to 5pm!! I'm so mad. Luckily H has been taking him but WHY? I wish we could sign up for swim team but it starts in may while school is in session with 4:30pm practices and then when school gets out it's at 9am. Fuck you swim team!
So instead I think I want to put DS in a ninja warrior class at the gym where DD takes gymnastics. I THINK there is even one at the same time as DD's current class. It would be heaven but we can't start until baseball is over. I'm thinking about doing that b/c normal karate is DS' favorite activity right now. There's a few kids in his do jo that are CRAZY amazing and they all do gymnastics or have done gymnastics. I don't see DS doing gymnastics but maybe the ninja warrior thing. Maybe it's me being crazy but I do think DS would enjoy it.
Our first volleyball game is tommorrow morning. These girls are pretty tough, so I am going in pretty confident. It has been a struggle getting practice times coordinated with the other coach since work has been crazy, but they are a well seasoned team.
I am just wanting these girls to learn the skills for high school, so not really super competitive.
waverly, t-ball/baseball here is short season unless you sign up for Babe Ruth or Little League. I think the rec league goes for 4-5 weeks because they can't start until spring soccer is over. The more competitive leagues have already started and you had to enroll back in February.
I was very happy when DD didn't want to play.
I don’t know what this is. It’s linked to the rec department but has it’s own website and corporate sponsor and it’s $$$ so I am guessing little league? There is no rec one maybe because we probably aren’t big enough to have both? Anyway he is waitlisted since I registered so late.
Post by freezorburn on Apr 13, 2018 12:32:22 GMT -5
DS is in spring break soccer camp this week. I signed him up for an emerging skills slot, for pre-K through 5 years old. He says he has been loving it, but I haven’t been able to observe since I worked the last 3 days. This morning I am off so I’m setting aside some time to watch.
It’s pretty cool that he is interested in a team sport, given his history with social delays. Hopefully I can continue to find camps that focus on the social aspects of play .... not sure if he will be interested in the local league, so for now just taking it as it comes.
Post by mustardseed2007 on Apr 14, 2018 10:26:10 GMT -5
I showed DS the ninja warrior class online today and he was like...no.
Womp womp.
I mean seriously it looks like so much fun!?!?! Really??
Meanwhile DD was hoping she could go to ballet today instead of gymnastics. I wonder why she likes it so much...either she's a little ballerina or the teacher lets her run around like a hooligan and that's why she likes it. Since it's during day care I've never seen it.
Open gym was really positive last night. DD did probably 2 dozen pull overs on the bar and each time she attempted the back hip circle and got it probably 25% of the time. She also worked on some back bends with one of the new team coaches that was working open gym and was almost doing them on her own by the end of the 5 minute help session. I haven't seen her this motivated at gym since last October/November which was right before the big move up.
Post by librarychica on Apr 14, 2018 13:21:07 GMT -5
186momx, I’m glad she’s doing well! Idk even know what a hip circle is.
I think we discussed this in the last sports thread so in case you were on the edge of your seat wondering, I did sign the girls up for individual swim lessons. Omg, it makes such a difference. Especially for DD1 since she is in stroke development and the school aged group classes are larger than DD2’s preschool one. Her back stroke has never been better. It’s $$$$ though.
Now she wants to do synchronized swimming since she has the required skills. I’m kind of meh on the idea, but it’s cheap since we are a pool member already and it’s a weekly class to start so less commitment than a team. But it’s a weekly class at 8AM on Saturday ....plus she has this thing where she wants to join something and then the first hiccup she encounters “hates it forever”. 🙄
There are a whole bunch of circles to do on the bar. She tried middle circle which is splits over the bar and then rotate 360 and almost got it. I know I don't want to even try any of them.
Could your DD do a test class for synchronized swimming? From what I remember it was really hard and even super advance swimmers had issues but the class that was offered was geared for teens/adults not little kids though.
I’m not sure there is much of a point of a test class — it’s only a 4 week class. It’s super low-key, geared to 5-9 year olds, non-competitive, aimed at just introducing some basic skills and entertaining the kids during the summer. They have to be invited to join the team. I don’t think DD1 is likely to ever get to that point because synchronized swimming is hard and she hasn’t shown much interest in team sports.
Individual swim lessons are the way to go for sure! It's more expensive at the time but still cheaper than the 4-6 group classes that amount to the same amount of learning IMO.
The sports DD plays have a mercy rule but it's like, stop keeping score when there is a 20 point gap. So the score in basketball is 18-2, 20-2, 22-2, 22-2, 22-2, 22-4, 24-4, 24-4, etc. I've never seen anyone try to implement a rule like "no scoring until you pass at least 5 times." That would make it more tolerable to see.
Not sure if we'll have hockey tomorrow since there were multiple inches of rain today. The rink gets puddly so we'll see how much sun comes out tomorrow.
Post by mustardseed2007 on Apr 15, 2018 12:15:28 GMT -5
Baseball question: DS is in kindergarten (age 6) and his team is a combo prek and kinder. I think there's only one actual prek kid, though.
It's full coach pitch. You get 6 balls thrown to you and if you don't hit one, you're out.
BIL has high school kids and he came to DS' game yesterday. He was really surprised that they were doing full coach pitch already. He expected them to pull out a T after they didn't hit the first several balls I guess? Also, I found out by happenstance that the girls team of that age do use a T after missing a certain number of balls.
I guess I just wonder - what's normal for kindergarten baseball?
Also, what the F with making the pitching different between girls and boys?!