Expert: Kimmi - 3/30/2008

Question
Ok, so i use to love to tumble and i would always look forward to it and i had no fears of it and would try anything when my coach would tell me to try it and then one day i sprained my elbow from tumbling and ever sence i won't through anything without a spot or i wont through it on the floor at all.  do you have any ideas on what i can do to get over this fear because my coach has been pushingme really hard as well as my team mates and it only frustrates me more and stresses me out and i want to just get over the mentle block and just throw it.

Answer
Hi Jessica,

   Well, unfortunately the only way to get over this is to make yourself do the tricks. If your elbow has healed enough then you know in your mind that you can physically DO the trick. Now, you must get your mind to realize it as well. It's always hard to come back after an injury, but you can do it. Focus your mind on the trick. Visualize yourself doing it over and over in your mind. Then force yourself to do it. Good luck with it. Mental blocks are never fun.
Happy Cheering!
Kimmi