Cheerleading/mental blocks

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/28/2011


Question
hey i grew up with gymnastics and cheerleading and about 2 years ago i was throwing my full at a private, fell and now I'm petrified to even do a simple backhand spring. i thought i convinced myself that cheer was a closed chapter in my life so i started to play girls lacrosse and i really do enjoy it but recently my mom brought up the idea of may trying again. i love cheer but i am so afraid to tumble again. right before its my turn i get it in my head i am going to do a backhand spring but right as i end my runoff this little voice in the back of my head yells  STOP!!! , another thing is i can do my passes when i have a spotter right next to me even if they don't lay a hand on me but the moment they step away i flip out. what can i do in order to not be so afraid to do something that it has taken a long time to figure out i really do love?

Answer
Right now I'm on vacation, but I've answered a question similar to this before.

Subject: Tumbling...HELP please! :)
From: Taylor

It's from late January/early February. Search for that and I hope it helps. If not, I can respond again with more details specific to your question but read that one first. And remember, you're not the first person that's had this problem. It's very common. I dealt with it for a long time, although I was never a good tumbler! I had a back handspring (I have wrist issues and can't tumble anymore) but I had mental issues with that too!

Good luck, and let me know if you need a follow up.

Cheerleading

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Chris

Expertise

I can answer questions on partner stunts, dismounts, basket tosses, choreography, pyramids, jumps, motions, chants, and formations. I can answer questions on tryouts, coaching, general cheerleading, etc. I cannot answer questions on co-ed stunts/pyramids or tumbling. Aside from these areas I can usually answer, or direct you to an answer, on any other topic.

Experience

I've been cheerleading for 10 years. My teams consistently competed at the national level, placing many times. I've coached for the past 5 years, and the team I coached most recently became National Champions. I've cheered at the Pop Warner, High School, and All-Star levels. I coach alongside my mother and sister who have coached at the all-star level as well. I've been watching cheerleading since I was 4, and I can create routines, give advice, and help teach kids how to deal with competitions. I have a knack for coaching and giving advice. I'm always the coach designated to give the pep talks to the kids before competitions.

Education/Credentials
I have been living with cheerleading coaches for 10+ years which teaches more than anyone can imagine. I was captain of my Varsity High School squad which came with the responsibility of picking music, writing a cheer, creating and teaching the routine, and making the formations. I have also coached nationally ranked teams for 5 years.

Awards and Honors
Two-time All-State Cheerleader nominee All-State Class M Cheerleader Varsity Cheer Captain

Past/Present Clients
The 32 young girls I just helped coach to a national championship! :) It wasn't easy, but they'll all say the work was worth it in the end.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.