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Step 1
Find a gym willing to take you on and train you. Typically you will start off by assisting more experienced coaches in teaching kids ages 3 to 10 who are at the beginning levels. Your mentors will let you know when you are ready to take on a class of your own.
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Step 2
Read as much as you can about the sport of gymnastics, the apparatus involved and the mechanics of the movement. The USA Gymnastics website is a free resource, and the site CoachingGymnastics.com offers a wealth of materials for the price of a membership. Also check your library or bookstore for books on the topic.
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Step 3
Join USA Gymnastics and obtain the necessary safety certifications. Each gym has different requirements for its coaches. The most common certification needed is USAG Safety Certification, which is valid for four years and is a requirement for coaching competitive gymnastics. Instructors age 18 and over must pass a background check in order to join USAG. If you're working at a gym that requires this, the gym will often pay the cost of membership and certification.
Your facility may also require first-aid and CPR certification, which can be done through organizations such as the American Red Cross.
If you are working outside of the United States, check the rules in your local area. -
Step 4
Attend coaching clinics. Your gym will be able to connect you with coaching classes appropriate to your experience level and may even pay for part or all of the cost of attendance as part of your ongoing training. USA Gymnastics holds regional and national congresses annually for its members, to update coaches on the latest techniques and practices, from preschool gymnastics through the elite competitive levels.
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Step 5
Teach as much as you can, and observe other coaches whenever possible. The best way to learn how to teach gymnastics is to work hands-on with students in a safety-conscious environment. Spotting, or using your hands to guide students through tricks and protect them from falls, cannot often be learned visually. As with the sport itself, you will develop your style and confidence through constant practice.
