Cheerleading/mental block

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Expert: Kimmi - 10/29/2008


Question
my 8 year old is on an all star team and two weeks ago was doing her tuck than all of the sudden was able to do a running backhand spring she did not get hurt.  she can do standing tumbling wonderful the coaches finally got her to attempt running but she pauses before her backhand springs and she can't get her tumbling pass back untill she stops pausing what can i have her do to help her.

thanks holly

Answer
Hi Holly,

  My answer for your question is the same as everyone else I have answered this question for. The only way to get over a mental block is to force yourself to do the trick. While, this may be harder when you're 8 than it is when you're 16, it's still the only solution. What you can have her do is close her eyes, and visualize herself doing the trick while doing the motions with her body. She has to realize and tell herself that she is capable of doing the trick and then force herself to throw it. Good luck.
Happy Cheering,
Kimmi

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Kimmi

Expertise

I can answer questions on coaching, planning and running practices, events, fundraisers, coordinating travel. I can answer questions on tumbling, stunting, health, nutrition, and injuries. I can not answer questions on college cheerleading.

Experience

My Experience in the area: I cheered on my grade school team for 4 years. I danced for on pointe for 14 years. I have coached for 9 years for grade school basketball cheerleading, grade school competitive squads, and all-star. I now own my own national championship all-star team.

Education/Credentials
I am safety certified by the AACCA. I have a BA in Elementary Education and am a certified teacher. I also have my masters in library science with an emphasis on teens.

Due to the volume of questions I get, please read my previous answers before asking your question. If you have a question about starting a cheerleading squad, or mental blocks please read my many previous answers BEFORE asking your question. Thank you!!

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