Gymnasts (Coaches and gymnasts) Learning new skills while being mentally terrified

[Gymdancemm11]

I am an Xcel platinum and trying to go for diamond next year. I have most of my skills except for beam. As a gymnast, I am ver,y ve,ry very mental. I always know that when trying a new skill, I will be fine and I will make it, and I want to go,o but my brain doesn't allow me to go. I freak myself out and then end up very upset after practice because I didn't do the skill I wanted to. I need my flight on beam. My options are aerial, rondoff, and standing tuck. The probability of me doing a standing tuck on the beam is very low. I can not go backwards on the beam. When I was in level 5 and needed a backwalkov, er I never got it by myself; my coach always had to stand there or spot me. I used to do back handsprings on the low beam, but that didn't end well.

Rondoffs seem the easiest, but they hurt my feet when I land. I need some advice.
When I do my rondoffs on the low beam, I land with my second foot turned to the side. I don't know how to fix this. Any tips? Also, any tips on how to make it not hurt when I land?

Aerials on the beam are probably my best bet. I am a competitive dancer as well as a competitive gymnast, so I can practically do aerials in my sleep. I finally got it yesterday on low beam with all the mats stacked up. I am landing them perfectly; I am just terrified to move the mats away. I know if I do I,t I will be fine; I just freak out inside my mind.
Do you have any ideas of what I could dto o change this and slowly get rid of the fear or steps I could try to help me get the skill?


Thanks!

 

[S_Flips]

It sounds like aerials are perfect for you! I do Roundoffs and they hurt my feet so bad when I started but then you get used to it and now I don’t notice it! I would suggest doing lots of round offs on a line in a row with your feet how you want them and try to replicate that on the beam to keep both feet on the beam. Then you will get used to having both feet in the right place. It’s hard trust me I know but it is 200% possible. For mental stuff, try doing your skill with all the mats like 5 times and then take ONE panel down and try to go. If you get scared, try laughing at your fear and then just go, you can do this. I not a coach, just a gymnast with similar thoughts. Good luck, I hope this helped! (I also didn’t proofread so I hope this sounds right)

 

[Gymdancemm11]

It sounds like aerials are perfect for you! I do Roundoffs and they hurt my feet so bad when I started but then you get used to it and now I don’t notice it! I would suggest doing lots of round offs on a line in a row with your feet how you want them and try to replicate that on the beam to keep both feet on the beam. Then you will get used to having both feet in the right place. It’s hard trust me I know but it is 200% possible. For mental stuff, try doing your skill with all the mats like 5 times and then take ONE panel down and try to go. If you get scared, try laughing at your fear and then just go, you can do this. I not a coach, just a gymnast with similar thoughts. Good luck, I hope this helped! (I also didn’t proofread so I hope this sounds right)

Thank you so much; that definitely helps! I really appreciate these tips, and I will definitely try them!

 

[NYGymfamily]

Have you considered a dive cartwheel?

 

[Gymdancemm11]

Have you considered a dive cartwheel?

No, I haven't. I will have to try it! Thank you!! I never thought about that!

 

[NYGymfamily]

No, I haven't. I will have to try it! Thank you!! I never thought about that!

It's a great alternative to a back handspring if you're mentally challenged on going backwards. My daughter is, and for her at least, it was very easy to learn and she has never looked back!

 

[Gymdancemm11]

It's a great alternative to a back handspring if you're mentally challenged on going backwards. My daughter is, and for her at least, it was very easy to learn and she has never looked back!

Okay thank you so much!!