Expert: James - 9/17/2008

Question
My daughter has a standing backhandspring for about 3 years and a roundoff backhandspring two plus a tuck. She started a block last year. Some days she will throw it but most of the days she wont unless she has a spot and there are plenty of days she wont even do it with a spot. Her coach has given her 3 weeks to start throwing her standing in the routine and her running or she is pulling it out. She wont listen to me when I try to give her advice she just shuts me out and says leave me alone "I know what I have to do". Her team is getting mad at her because she is able to do it and looks pretty and they need her tumbling. She has three privates now that I really cant afford. What do I do. When do I call it quits. What can she can do. She just stands there about ready to cry or she runs and stops. Her nick name is go stop go. Help

Answer
Well as far as the actual tumbling I have to admit that is outside of my area of expertise. I'm a stunter. However I'll attempt to address the other part. I'm sure her team being mad at her and having a nickname for her does not help. And as far as calling it quits at least maybe cut back a private or two to help your pocketbook out. There was a young girl (not sure how old your daughter is) at this one gym i taught stunt lessons at and her mother finally just told her if you're not going to pay attention and learn you're not going to take the privates. And pulled the girl out for a month or two until she seemed ready to focus on it. The sad answer is this isnt uncommon. I hear questions all of the time of girls being able to do a pass but being too scared to do so. Even all the way up to high school juniors and seniors (especially if they have an injury) so the bottom line is i something doesn't jar her confidence it's not going to get any better.