When you think about gymnastics, it’s easy to get lost in the amazing flips and cool routines you see in competitions. But if you are just starting out, especially in Year 7 PE class, there are some basic skills that are really important to learn first. Here’s a simple guide on what new gymnasts should focus on:

1. Getting Strong and Fit

• Body Control: Gymnastics needs a lot of strength and balance. Doing activities like push-ups, sit-ups, and planks can help you build strong muscles.
• Flexibility: Stretching is super important. You should work on your splits, backbends, and making your shoulders more flexible. This helps you avoid injuries and do better in gymnastics.

2. Basic Skills

• Handstands: This skill is very important in gymnastics. It builds strength in your shoulders and core. Practice doing handstands against a wall to get comfortable without falling.
• Cartwheels: This is a basic skill that helps with balance and is used in many other gymnastics moves. Start on a soft surface to feel more confident!

3. Jumping and Landing Tricks

• Tuck Jumps: These jumps help make your legs stronger. Try to bring your knees up to your chest while jumping and focus on landing gently.
• Rolls: Forward and backward rolls are really important. They teach you how to manage your weight and safely get back up if you fall. Plus, they look great when done well!

4. Creating Routines

• Linking Skills: Once you have some basic skills down, try to put them together. A simple routine with a handstand, roll, and cartwheel shows how much you’ve improved and helps you feel more confident.
• Smooth Movements: Work on making your movements flow nicely. You can practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to get helpful tips.

5. Mental Focus and Discipline

• Imagining Success: Picture yourself doing great routines in your mind. This can help you feel more confident when you perform.
• Setting Goals: Instead of trying to be perfect, set small goals that are easy to reach. This keeps you motivated and helps you stay positive!

In summary, to get better at gymnastics, you need to build a strong foundation. Focus on getting fit, being flexible, and learning the basic skills. Then, you can start enjoying all the fun and creative moves! Remember, everyone improves at their own speed, so keep practicing and have fun!