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BGU

Courses

JUNIOR LEVEL 1

This course is open to participants aged 12-16 years, who are new to the world of coaching, and will be working as an assistant coach under a lead coach at their programme. This course is filled with interactive exercises and activities aimed to get junior coaches thinking about what their role is within their programme, and how they can be the best coach they can be. 

They will learn how to teach the following skills with great technique and safely. 
Junior level 1 stunts 
– Complete all stunt technique elements and work through flyer air skills
– Ball stunt and single leg ball stunt
– Thigh stands
– Smoosh and Hang drills
– Gut stands
– Show and goes
– Preps

Junior level 2 stunts 
– Complete all of the tumble technique elements 
– Forwards rolls 
– Backwards rolls
– Cartwheels 
– Front and back walkover variations 
 
The coaches also gain interactive coaching methods on how to teach motions concentrating on technique and then also how to condition and teach jumps safely and effectively. Each Junior coach will be provided with an activity handbook which will guide them through the day whilst putting into practice what they learn. The hand book consists of lesson planning, choreography fun, and by the end of the course the coaches get to test their ability to put in place their lesson plans and choreography. 
BGU LEVEL 1

This course is the starting point for those who are entirely new to cheerleading, those who are transitioning to cheer from a different discipline such as dance or gymnastics, school & college tutors or for (former) athletes who are transitioning to coaching cheerleading.

This course takes you through all the policies and procedures you need to have in place in order to start and develop a successful programme, with room for discussion about communication with athletes and parents, designing a programme or team that meets the needs of your athletes, and a brief introduction into competing for those who are interested. The skills taught during this course include level 1 introductory stunting and tumbling skills, taught in stages of progression.

The course is in two parts. Firstly, you will complete a digital section on 5 Responsibilities of coaching. This content will be sent to you via email to complete in your own time before you attend the second part to the course. The second part will be delivered in-person in a live gym setting by our expert instructors and demo team. You are introduced to the skills below including drills and progressions showing the most effective and safest way to teach cheerleading. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, our instructors are on hand throughout this process and after the course to answer any questions.

BGU LEVEL 1 STUNTS
  • Ball stunt
  • Ball stunt single leg variation
  • Thigh stand
  • Thigh stand one leg variation
  • Smoosh and load
  • Gut/waist level stunt
  • Single leg gut/waist level stunt
  • Show and go prep two feet
  • 1⁄4 up to prep two foot variation
  • Braced prep single leg
  • Shoulder stands
  • Dismounts- Cradle, bump down and prone cradle.

LEVEL 1 TUMBLES

  • Tumble technique elements
  • Arch/hollow
  • Handstand
  • Tumble lunge
  • Hurdle step/power hurdle
  • Athletic stance
  • Bridge/backbend.
  • Forwards and backwards rolls
  • Handstand forwards rolls
  • Backwards rolls through handstand
  • Cartwheels
  • Back walkovers
  • Forwards walkovers
  • Round offs.
The course also covers cheerleading jumps, motions, flexibility and conditioning ideas.

Practical assessments are made during the course with the focus on the understanding and ability of how to deliver skills followed by submission of written & verbal video questions (1hr). These are submitted after the course. Coaches have 1 week from the course date to complete written & verbal assessment. (Coaches are not assessed on demonstrating skills) 

Assistance and adaptions available on assessments.

BGU LEVEL 2

This course is the next natural step on your coaching journey. This course is delivered the same day as level 1 and is a significant step on understand why level 1 is so important. We do offer the option to tale level 1&2 on the same day. The skills taught during this course include level 2 introductory stunting and tumbling skills, taught in stages of progression.

The course will be delivered in-person in a live gym setting by our expert instructors and demo team. You are introduced to the skills below including drills and progressions showing the most effective and safest way to teach cheerleading. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, our instructors are on hand throughout this process and after the course to answer any questions.

BGU LEVEL 2 STUNTS

  • Extension
  • Prep single leg
  • Half up to prep
  • Inversion stunts
  • ¼ up to prep single leg
  • Barrel roll
  • Leap frog variations.
  • Dismounts that will be covered, extension cradles and ¼ cradle from prep

BGU LEVEL 2 BASKET TOSSES

  • Toss technique through trophy drills then into basket tosses.

BGU LEVEL 2 TUMBLING

  • Front handspring
  • Back handsprings
  • Roundoff back handsprings.
  • Other variations will be demoed on the day

Practical assessments are made during the course with the focus on the understanding and ability of how to deliver skills followed by submission of written & verbal video questions (1hr). These are submitted after the course. Coaches have 1 week from the course date to complete written & verbal assessment. (Coaches are not assessed on demonstrating skills)

Assistance and adaptions available on assessments.

BGU LEVEL 3

This course is the next step up from BGU level 1&2. The course progresses from what was taught inBGU level 1&2 with natural progressions into level 3 skills, such as how to introduce twisting in building skills, and introducing the tuck shape in tumbling. In more depth and detail the following stunts and tumbles are covered.The skills taught during this course include level 2 introductory stunting and tumbling skills, taught in stages of progression.

 
BGU LEVEL 3 STUNTS
  • Extended single leg/one leg (Refresh level 2 at prep)
  • Traditional & Adapted T & Half to single leg
  • Smoosh/Load to Prep and Prep to Prep (Both to body position)
  • Ball up to prone
  • Ball up to prep
  • Quick release progression
  • Ball up to single leg/body position
  • Switch up to prep level body position
  • Needle to Lib
  • Suspended forward roll (with twist and Suspended backward roll)
  • Full twist from prep & extension
  • 1 ¼ Full
  • Pop off from prep to ground level

BGU LEVEL 3 BASKET TOSSES

  • Basket toss technique with 1 trick

BGU LEVEL 3 TUMBLING

  • Aerials 
  • Jump BHS series
  • Back tuck drills 
  • Punch fronts 
During this course more emphasis is placed on competitive elements.

Practical assessments are made during the course with the focus on the understanding and ability of how to deliver skills followed by submission of written & verbal video questions (1hr). These are submitted after the course. Coaches have 1 week from the course date to complete written & verbal assessment. (Coaches are not assessed on demonstrating skills)

Assistance and adaptions available on assessments.

BGU LEVEL 4

This course is the next step up from our Level 3 course, and focuses on progressional skills in stunts, tosses and tumbling. This course allows you to spend time in a live gym setting with an experienced instructor and demo group. You are physically around the skills as they are taught and get to ask questions and trouble shoot along the way! Below are some of the fantastic drills and progressions that are taught. 

 
BGU Level 4 Stunts
– Inversion from below prep to extended stunts 
– Back handspring up to extended level stunt 
– Drills and progressions for release move from waist level to extension
– Drills and progressions for High to low tictoc 
– Drills and progressions for 1 1/2 up to prep level body position. 
– Full twisting transitions to extension lib
– Drills and progressions for full twisting trainsiton at extended level.
– A variation of Co-Ed style stunts are covered. 
– Drills and progressions for Dismounts such as a double down from extension and kick fulls. 
 
BGU Level 4 tosses
– Hitch kick
– Switch kick 
– Ball full 
– Kick full
– Double full 
 
BGU Level 4 tumbles 
– Standing tucks 
– Onodi 
– Jump tucks
– Front Aerials 
– Connecting layouts
– Punch Front step out 
 
This course is the perfect progression for those wanting to uplevel from level 3. It creates the pressive structure to develop onto BGU level 5. 
BGU LEVEL 5

This course is the next step up from our Level 3 course, and focuses on progressional skills from Level 4 through to Level 6, emphasising the similarity in grips and coaching strategies between skills. We understand moving up levels can be challenging, especially if you have had no previous coaching experience! Our level 456 course is designed so you can take the level/s exam that suits your needs while also receiving experience on how we develop skills through levels using tried and tested drills and progressions. This course allows you to spend time in a live gym setting with an experienced instructor and demo group. You are physically around the skills as they are taught and get to ask questions and trouble shoot along the way! (IASF 456  are in alignment with BGU 456, ICU Advanced is in alignment with BGU Level 4, ICU 5 & 6 are in alignment with BGU Level 5 & 6 )

We have the following exam options:
  • Level 4
  • Level 5
  • Level 6
  • Level 4&5
  • Level 5&6
  • Level 4,5&6
In addition to your chosen exam level, you will also receive proof of Level 456 training which can be used at a later time if you choose to take the higher exam/s. (£25.00 per exam admin fee for this process)
For example: those wishing to be qualified up to level 4, you will take the level 4 exam and also receive a certificate of completion for level 5&6 training hours. This gives you the chance to gain experience and at a later date decide if you wish to take further exams. 
BGU LEVEL 6

This course is the next step up from our Level 6 course.  Emphasising the similarity in grips and coaching strategies between skills. We understand moving up levels can be challenging, especially if you have had no previous coaching experience! This course allows you to spend time in a live gym setting with an experienced instructor and demo group. You are physically around the skills as they are taught and get to ask questions and trouble shoot along the way. 

BGU Level 6 stunts 
– Drills and progressions for prep level hand in hand to extension 
– Drills and progressions for rewind to extended stunt
– Drills and progressions for high to high Body position to body position
– Full twisting transition to extended body position 
– Drills and progressions double twisting transition to extended lib/body position. 
– A variation of Co-Ed style stunts are covered
– Dismounts covered are kick full, kick double. 
 
BGU Level 6 tosses
– Drills and progressions for hitch kick 
– Drills for hitch kick doubles
 
BGU Level 6 tumbles 
– BHS double full series  
– BHS whip full series 
– Variations of doubles 
– Punch front step out, arabian through to double full variations 
This course is the perfect progression for those wanting to uplevel from level 5. It creates the progressive structure to develop onto BGU level 6.
BGU LEVEL 456

This course is the next step up from our Level 3 course and the individual 4, 5 then 6 courses. This course focuses on progressional skills from Level 4 through to Level 6, emphasising the similarity in grips and coaching strategies between skills. We understand moving up levels can be challenging, especially if you have had no previous coaching experience in the levels. For more information on what skills and progressions are taught please see the individual course level drop down menus. The full level 4, 5 and 6 course allows you to spend time in a live gym setting with an experienced instructor and demo group. You are physically around the skills as they are taught and get to ask questions and trouble shoot along the way! 

Within this course you will have the following exams along with verbal examinations that will need to be submitted. 
  • Level 4,5&6
Reminder, should you feel overwhelmed by the combined level 4,5 and 6. You can complete the course and examination in the level you feel most comfortable with,  whilst also learning the progressions and skills for the above levels. Please see the drop down menus for each level for further information. 
BGU POM JAZZ LYRICAL

 

  • Pom Jazz Lyrical Original: this course is a fast-paced introductory course meant for dance teachers who are either new to dance/this dance genre, athletes transitioning to a coaching role, or experienced dance teachers who need a refresher. This course takes you through all the policies and procedures you need to have in place in order to start and develop a successful programme, with room for discussion about communication with athletes and parents, designing a programme or team that meets the needs of your dancers. The course then covers warm-up ideas, dance specific conditioning, flexibility, technical elements, a number of different skills and a discussion on preparation for performances and competitions.

    The dance technical elements that are covered are listed below, 
    – Jumps such as ToeTouch, Firebird, Ring and C jumps.
    – Leaps such as Jete, leaps in second, switch leaps and turning leaps such as C, calypso and spinning disk. 
    – Turns such as pirouettes, a la secondes and turning leg catches. 
    – Skills discussion on aerials, walkovers and lifts 
     
    The aim is to ensure that each dance teacher taking the course is comfortable and confident to go ahead and be able to quick fix problems and bad habits whilst also having the progressive knowledge to uplevel dancers once they have mastered the progressions. 

  • Pom Jazz Lyrical Advanced: this course is for experienced dance coaches who are ready to take their programme to the next level. This course offers over 40 exercises to develop high level skills for elite dancers. A few examples of technical elements that are covered are, change spot a la second turns (fast and slow spot), Seconde floats, an advanced variation on switch leaps, connecting pirouettes, front aerials and many more. The course goes into depth on how to build an elite dancer covering conditioning elements that boost dancers control in specific skills in order to progress safely. The course also dives into important aspects for coaches developing competitive teams or professional dancers, such as motivation, nutrition and building a strong mindset for elite dancers. The perfect course for pushing your programme to the next level and preparing dancers for professional training.
  • Teachers must either hold BGU Pom Jazz Lyrical original course or have an approved dance qualification . Please contact dance@buildingfromthegroundup.com if you do not hold our BGU qualification and we can assist.
BGU HIP HOP

Hip Hop Original: This course will have you dancing for hours! The BGU Hip Hop course is an introductory course meant for coaches who are either new to dance/this dance genre, athletes transitioning to a coaching role, or experienced dance coaches who need a refresher. This course talks you through the origin of a number of street dance styles, such as House, locking, popping and many more. Each coach will experience how to develop groove technique, whilst pushing for correct technical elements of each style. This will be in the form choreographed combinations given by the instructor for each coach to try. This course will leave each coach armed with a repertoire of styles and skills to build your own hip hop routines ready for performances, battles and competitions.

FOUNDATIONS FOCUS COURSES

Our focus courses aim to provide specific content to allow you to grow and develop as a coach within your discipline. Focus courses are cheer oriented but have applications in dance, gymnastics/tumbling and other movement disciplines.

 

  • Foundations S&T: our Foundations course is aimed for coaches who are teaching the age group of 3-6yr olds. This course is perfect for coaches who are used to coaching school-age children or older athletes and are transitioning to a younger age group- or coaches who are new to coaching in general and are looking for a deep dive into the minds of younger children. The course is split into two parts – the first part is about the psychology and communication of working with younger athletes and their families. The second part covers 10 tumbling and stunting skills that will allow coaches to build up their own lesson plans with. This course is also a great starting point for Junior coaches who are new to communicating with young children or building lesson plans.
  • Foundations D&P: Alike our sister course Foundations S&T, this course is also aimed at coaches who teach 3-6yr olds. With the main focus being to develop children’s understadning of dance technique and performance requirements. The course works on how to plan a dance session delving into detail on how to keep engagement whilst challenging each age group with appropriate level dance skills. The course works on building confidence in each performer through use of lyrics in BGU’s dance and performance personal play list. This course will leave each coach, refreshed with ideas on how to safely develop 3-6yr olds dance technique whilst ensuring confidence in performance.
  • SEND Course (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities): INFORMATION COMING SOON!
  • Cheer Strength Module 1: The first in this multi-module series, Cheer Strength Module 1 takes a deep dive into the main muscle groups in our bodies, and how we should be training them in order to build effective athletes in a safe environment.
FURTHER INFORMATION
To take a higher level you must already hold either the previous levels BGU or an industry recognised qualification (please contact BGU to discuss your individual learning path progression.) Coaches will be asked to submit previous learning pathways before completing their course.
  • Please note: Proof of training can only be used towards BUILDING FROM THE GROUND examinations/qualifications. The training will become exempt if used to gain any other qualification/certification.
  • Please note: When training/competing, check your BGU qualifcation level against the rules & guidance used by the event producer/organiser/insurance.

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