Fear is one of the greatest limiting factors we face as athletes. Tony Robbins says that we are driven by two basic factors…attaining something that makes us happy or avoiding something that makes us unhappy or scared. Not surprisingly, the biggest fear that most athletes face is simple…getting hurt.
There is typically an idea that something they do may cause them harm. Most often, it won’t; but the fear is crippling. A common fear in cheer is the fear of going backwards when tumbling. Whether it’s a back tuck, back handspring, or even back walk over…no matter the case, this fear is more common that you think and if you are struggling with it, you are not alone.
Here are 4 tips to overcome your fear of going backwards:
1. Proper progression- One reason a person might be experiencing anxiety with a new trick is that they simply aren’t ready for that skill. There is a proper progression that athletes should follow in order to build the foundation to move on to the more challenging skills. If you are scared to do a new trick (not nervous you might not hit it, but actually fearful) then it might just mean that you aren’t ready.
2. Spotting- If you are at the point in your skillset to progress to a higher level, your fear might be caused by a lack of feeling secure in your spotter. Make sure than when you are struggling with a tumbling skill, that you try with a few different QUALIFIED spotters (like a coach or tumbling instructor). It might just be that you do not feel comfortable letting that particular person spot you.
3. Safe Landing- In an attempt to assure yourself that you’re not going to get hurt when you land, set yourself up to have a super safe (usually soft) surface to land on; something like a crash pad or pit. This can add another layer of security that even if you bail, you’ll be okay.
4. Counts- Once you begin to have break throughs with your fear, start doing all of your skills to an 8-count. Having a set number that you have to go on may give you a kick in the pants enough to throw it without thinking too much.
Just remember, this fear we are talking about. It is created by your brain. You MUST stay positive and optimistic during these times. Stress is only going to make it worse. COACHES, you must be patient with someone that is dealing with fear when it comes to tumbling. Being too aggressive or forceful will more than likely cause them to shut down. Be positive and uplifting and point out the athletes strengths.
The Cheer Doc is an online resource for cheer athletes, gymnasts, tumblers, and other acrobatic type athletes to learn how to improve athletic performance as well prevent injuries.
My daughter is going through a mental block. All of these drills she can do. She will get to the point where she’ll start doing it on her own, 2 days later she’s back to square one if not throwing anything again. I feel so frustrated that I can’t help her, thst I don’t understand what she’s going through. Do you have any more advice on how to help her?
Mental blocks can be super frustrating and the worst part is the more frustrated, the more blocked the athlete gets. The truth is, behind every mental block is a reason. The trick is asking the right questions to tease it out. Did she fall? Did she have a bad experience with a coach? Is she simply nervous? Is she distracted? What’s different from day to day? Why does SHE think she gets the block? Don’t just ask these questions; sit down with her in a very relaxed environment and just express with love that you want to help her to figure out where the block is coming from.
These are all questions that can help to get the ball rolling and get a dialogue going that can help to figure out the real reason she is having the block. Start here and let us know what information you can gather. We’ll be here to take it a step further.
Hi, I have my round off backhand spring and some days I will have it but then the next day I won’t be able to do it and in order for me to try out for cheer I have to have my round off backhand spring or my mom won’t let me try out please help I don’t really know what to do because I’m under a lot of pressure
First of all, you have to relax. Don’t put so much stress on yourself. On days you don’t land it. Keep going until you do. Don’t stop trying until you land it. It may take 100 times, but if that’s what it takes to overcome the block, then that’s what it takes.
My daughter also struggles with a mental block. It started with an injury that occurred at practice, where she dislocated her elbow. It began with no connections, now no running tumbling. She has gotten a little better, but she will only throw her running tumbling with a spot. At this point it is holding her back and I know she is so frustrated. We have spoken about it and she has said she gets scared, she will psych herself out, and will not throw the skill. Do you have any recommendations on next steps?
Check out our podcast anchor.fm/cheerleading. We have many episodes addressing mental blocks.
12 year old cheerleader has been blocked with tucks and handsprings for 2 years. Different private coaches and now psycho therapy. Still not improving. She feels like she needs to quit. Now she is started to block on front punch.
Help!
Please reach out to me directly at thecheerdoc@gmail.com