Over the past two weekends, men’s artistic gymnastics (MAG) regional performance clinics were held in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, bringing together more than 95 level 3+ athletes for valuable development opportunities.

Athletes had the chance to learn from some of New Zealand’s top MAG coaches — Cameron Beeton, Mike Plourde, and two-time Olympian Misha Koudinov — gaining direct feedback on the skills they are currently developing.

While the clinics are exciting for athletes, they also play an important role in supporting coach development across the country. By observing and receiving input from experienced coaches, attending coaches are able to expand their own skill-development toolkit.

Often the most valuable insights are small but powerful: a different way to explain a movement, a shaping correction that improves efficiency, or a drill that helps an athlete better understand the change required. These insights come from years of experience working with athletes at all levels, and the 360 clinics create an environment where this knowledge can be shared openly.

This year’s clinics also introduced dedicated coach workshops, allowing the lead coaches to take a deeper dive into key technical areas within MAG. The first workshops focused on high bar, which has been identified as an apparatus requiring further technical development nationally.

High bar at a senior level is highly technical, and without strong foundational basics there is a limit to the difficulty and consistency athletes can achieve. The workshops explored shapes, foundational technique, and skill progressions to help coaches build stronger technical pathways for their athletes.

A big thank you goes to the host clubs Tri Star Gymnastics, Hutt Valley Gymnastics, and Christchurch School of Gymnastics, along with the many clubs who supported their athletes and coaches to attend.

Opportunities like the MAG 360 clinics continue to play an important role in strengthening coaching capability across the country, supporting the long-term development and performance of New Zealand athletes.