Alison Arnold Ph.D. is a sport psychology consultant for USA Gymnastics. A former gymnast, she views training the mind as important as training the body.
“Mental choreography” is a phrase I’ve never heard before.
There are three types of statements used in creating mental choreography. These statements are technical statements, energy statements and self-esteem statements.
The typical coaching mistake is to make too many technical coaching corrections, too few energy and self-esteem comments.
Technical statements include corrections, and mechanical reminders the gymnast focuses on before or during routines. Examples of technical statements include, “lift and twist”, “block”, and “tight legs”. Energy statements either help give the gymnast an energy boost or decrease anxiety. Energy statements that bring the gymnast’s energy up can be used at the end of a floor routine, “Push!”, or right before a bar mount, “Go!”. Statements like “relax” and “breathe” help bring fear and anxiety levels down to a more manageable level. Finally, self-esteem statements help the gymnast feel more confident. Statements like “I can do this”, “I’ve done it before”, and “I’m ready”, give the gymnast the power and confidence she needs to go for a skill or hit in competition.
Good advice.
Related:
book – Scream And Run Naked
Gymnastics Coaching.com 