Expert: Pamela Enders - 1/29/2010

Question
I am 13 years old and my head is absolutly screwed up and im really getting so frustrated and stressed out. I have had mental block with my round off backhandspring on and off for all of my 4 years of competitive cheerleading. two years ago i was at my aboslute high point in tumbling...i had a solid backhandspring and almost had my round off backhandspring back tuck. But right before my tryouts i bailed on a tuck but my spotter fliped me over thank god so i didnt falll on my head...but i did end up with a sprained ankle. this freaked me out completely and i had to sit out for about 4 weeks. I came back and i was able to tumble fine for about a week, but then i started freaking out again. Does that make any sense??? I ended up loosing all my tumbling including a simple backhandspring. two years later...i still have no tumbling. I am now on a different team. If i say so myself i am a solid flyer on a senior team. And i am front and center in my dance. When i started on my new team this year the coaches seemed to love me, i think they thought i was very close to my backhandspring because its so soliid with a spot...but now...one of my head coaches is losing all confidence in me and my tumbling and he is constently threatening to take me off my senior team. Its just the way he looks at me now that makes me want to burst into tears. So now im nervous for the next seasons tryouts that are happeneing in about 2 months. I feel as if i have no choice but to get my tumbling back by then...and im desprate.

Answer
Hi Sarah,

I can reassure you that the challenges you are facing are quite common.  I realize that this doesn't make it any easier to experience however!  It is frustrating and heartbreaking but this is something that can be resolved.

It sounds like you have a lot of spunk and determination which will help a lot.  If your coach is giving you the evil eye, shame on him!  He should be helping you, not shaming you.

I think that you should be able to resolve this before tryouts if you're willing to work at it. If you like, we could have a consult over the phone.  That way I can learn more about what's going on and give you immediate feedback.  Or - if that does not appeal to you, I can respond via email.  you can also check out my blog which is loaded with info on mental blocks.  Just scroll down on the categories to the right and click on "mental blocks."  My blog is http://www.confidentcheerleadingblog.com

So let me know if you want to chat or if you want me to write with more info or if the blog is helpful in itself.  My email is info@pamelaenders.com.

I won't be able to respond again until Monday since I'll be out of town.

Cheers!

Dr. Pam
The Mental Game Coach