Category: psychology

mental blocks in Gymnastics

A big frustration for coaches. Even bigger for the gymnast afflicted.

Mental blocks are far more common for female athletes than male. They are most often on backwards skills. And somewhat more frequent during stressful times of the competitive season.

Every coach tries to prevent mental blocks from developing. Be particularly cautious when training backwards skills. (More matting, more progressions, more repetition.)

Some coaches have fewer mental blocks than others.

We’re learning. I believe there are fewer mental blocks in 2017 than in the past.

Rebecca Smith posted some tips.

HELP! My gymnast is afraid of going backward

Why Gymnasts Get Mental Blocks

good attitude in sport

This interview with Geno Auriemma, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, UConn has gone viral. Millions of views.

Though gymnasts are amongst the most humble of all athletes, this is still an important message for coaches.

Click PLAY or watch it on Facebook.

Thanks Dorina.

beware the “cult” of Gymnastics

Over and over again people keep asking how Larry Nassar got away with what he did for so long.

Many elite gymnasts are irrationally dedicated.  They are literally brainwashed.

Recall Goldman’s dilemma? Athletes were asked if they were willing to die in 5 years for sporting success NOW. Many said yes.

1992 Olympian Wendy Bruce Martin (who never worked with Nassar) reflects back on what she was willing to do for Olympic qualification:

I was willing to give anything to gymnastics and I was willing to give everything. …

As long as I could perform my skills, I was willing to ignore the advice from my Doctor. When my Doctors told me to take time off of gymnastics to heal, I didn’t. …

There wasn’t much I wouldn’t do to make the Olympics. When I needed to lose a little weight, I took the cheap and easy way out. Bulimia was my little secret. I was Bulimic for about a year and a half before the Olympics. …

The Cult Culture of Gymnastics

Parents and coaches need be aware that dedication can be psychosis. Mental health is as important as physical health.

on “Fear of Failure”

Coaches should review this article with their athletes.

Sport Psychologist Rebecca Smith posted an excellent, detailed breakdown of ways to overcome fear of failure.

Examples of Controllables:
Effort
Attitude
Focus
Confidence
Commitment
Composure
Diet
Rest
Preparation
Reactions

Examples of Let-go-ables:
Opponents
Officials
Crowd
Coaches
Teammates
Parents
Friends
Playing time/competition order
Injuries
Travel days
Scheduling
Weather
Equipment
Academic demands

3 Steps to Overcome Fear of Failure

via Tony Smith

Margo Hayes – world’s best female rock climber

American Woman Reaches a New Milestone in Rock Climbing

Nineteen-year-old Margo Hayes has taken a huge leap in shrinking the climbing world’s gender gap.

Aly for #InternationalWomensDay

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter. 

the Andreas Tobas story

The hero in Rio.

“That was amazing,” teammate Fabian Hambüchen said. “It’s an honour to have someone like him on the team.”

German gymnast Andreas Toba’s extraordinary act of sacrifice

Click PLAY or watch a teaser on YouTube.

Beam music in College

Many teams use personalized music in training and at home meets.

When Hayley Sanders steps up to the balance beam and the booming beat of Lil Mama’s 2007 hit “Lip Gloss” resonates through Stegeman Coliseum, the crowd knows it’s in for a treat.

As a spark of energy quickly spreads through the arena, Sanders begins her routine. She sees it as her moment to contribute to a successful team performance.

“I only hear it for like the first, maybe, 15 seconds, and then I block everything out,” Sanders said. …

Red & Black – Music helps Georgia gymnasts conquer the beam

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. You can hear Lip Gloss in the background.

Denver has BIG goals

Despite injuries, they are finding a way to get it done.

Click PLAY or watch a TV spot on Facebook.

via Gymternet Clan