Expert: Kelly Fitzpatrick - 10/19/2006

Question
I have been a competitive cheering for 5 years and I have had a tuck and back-handspring but, all of the sudden I can't throw it, even with a spot. I just stand there staring at the wall telling myself to throw it, but I don't. All my coaches tell me most people go through it. I don't know why I don't throw it, but I have had many thing going on at home. That are making me STRESSED-OUT. What do I do?

Answer
Hi Taylor,

Your coaches are right. Most cheerleaders do go through mental blocks at one point in their cheerleading career. The thing that you have to come to terms with is that your body knows how to do the skills. Now all you have to do is get your mind to cooperate with your body. One drill that I offer to all of my cheerleaders who have this problem is the "running drill."

This drill is performed when you run in place until your coach yells "go." You must then stop running and throw your standing tumbling or tumbling pass. This usually helps because your mind doesn't have as much time to think about the skill.

Good luck and I hope this helps!