Expert: Kimmi - 1/17/2008

Question
hi, ive been cheering for about 5 years now an in the beginning i was never afraid to tumble. a couple of years ago i freaked out i dont know what happened i wouldn't even through a roundoff backhandspring with a spot.but during the summer i started through my tumbling which is a roundoff backhandspring back tuck and it is extremely high when i do it. but recently i've started to freak out again and i have a competition this weekend and my coach expect my to through roundoff bhs tuck and i'm really scared and i only seem to do it with my coach standing there pretending to spot me...please help me!

Answer
Hi Emily,

   Unfortunately the only thing I can tell you is that it's a mental block and you have to get it out of your mind. The thing I would try is to stand, close your eyes, and visualize yourself doing the trick and do the different body movements while visualizing. Do this over and over and over, and it should help with your confidence. Otherwise you just have to force yourself to go for it, and eventually you will get over it. I'm sorry I can't give you the answer to making it go away in an instant. Good luck to you. Please let me know how it goes!
Happy Cheering!
Kimmi