Expert: Kimmi - 10/19/2008

Question
I have read through several answers on mental blocks, but I think my situation is different from most on here.  I absolutely love tumbling. I always have and I always will.  The only problem is I have horrible mental blocks. Before I got "scared" or whatever you want to call it, I had a standing tuck that after reflection and watching videos was MUCH worse than my current spotted standing tuck.  Currently, my spot spots me with one arm and I have had several reliable coaches tell me to just suck it up and do it.  I know I am physically capable, but I have a hard time clearing my mind.  Last year I couldn't try out for cheerleading because i was going to be out of town the day of tryouts.  It has really messed with my head and ever since then. I haven't been able to do anything except a round-off back handspring, even though I had my layout before I couldn't try out.  I will run for my ro bhs tuck with a spot there that I completely trust and I will pause before the tuck after the ro bhs.  I am physically capable of still doing my layout and ro bhs tuck, I just get so scared all of the time.  I have gotten to where it just frustrates me whenever I tumble because i know I can do it but I can't.  What can I do to overcome my blocks and just "suck it up" and do my ro bhs tuck?  I really want to make the Varsity squad at my high school and that isn't going to happen without a layout.

Answer
Hi Abby,

   Unfortunately, my advice for you is the same as for anyone else. That advice is also the same as what everyone else has been telling you. You have to suck it up and just throw it. The only thing I can add to this, is to start visualizing yourself doing the trick whenever you have a spare second. Close your eyes, and actually make the motions with your body. This kind of visualization will only help you work on getting back to doing the tricks you're having trouble with. Then, the kicker is forcing yourself to do it, which is what you have to do. That is the only way, you're going to get them back. Sorry, I can't give you the perfect solution, but then tumbling is probably the trickiest area of cheerleading. Good luck. Please let me know how it goes!

Happy Cheering,
Kimmi