JAG GYM:
I know that I am difficult to coach.
I worry that you don’t like me.
Being fearful is different than being stubborn.
I can’t just “stop it.”
Yelling or threatening me doesn’t solve my fear issues.
My fear is a very real thing.
I would give anything not to be scared.
It hurts when you ignore me.
Please be there for me.
Help me work through my fear. Be patient with me. Break the skill down into smaller parts. Find alternative skills for me to do that might be less scary to me. If I am still struggling, get my parents involved. Maybe I do need to see a sports psychologist. Maybe my problem is larger than gymnastics. Pay attention and be an advocate for me, not an adversary. You are my coach, and I need you.
Click through for more detail. And a link to a coach’s perspective on this topic.