One of the many things gym fans love to discuss during the season is lineup strategy, especially when it comes to controversial decisions by various teams and coaches. Are you a fan of “Bridgeying”? How about keeping a gymnast in the leadoff because she’s consistent when you know she could score so much higher later on? We share our opinions and play coach ourselves in this week’s roundtable.
Let’s start with the basics: What’s your favorite lineup strategy on any event?
Emily M: There’s nothing I love more than a few 10.0 vaults in a lineup that’s anchored by the most beautiful Yurchenko full you ever did see. Nia Dennis, Kaylen Morgan, or Gabrielle Stephen in the anchor? Chef’s kiss.
Peri: Ever since I’ve been introduced to treating lineups like “Moneyball”, I can’t unsee it. Consistency for me should ideally determine lineup spot first, with scoring potential second.
Claire: Just because you can put up six 10.0 SV vaults doesn’t always mean you should. I’ll take a big, clean, and consistent 9.950 vault—think Sarah Shaffer’s Yurchenko half or Chae Campbell’s Yurchenko full—over an iffy 10.0 vault any day of the week. LSU is a prime example, consistently ranking in the top three on the event for the past decade and…
