Fear

[iwish]

Hello everybody! I am new to CB, after being a frequent lurker I finally decided to join. I have a question for everyone though; how does your/your child's coach deal with fear you/your child may have? Thanks for the answers in advance.

 

[gymnasticsfreak]

Hi and welcome to CB!

My coaches usually get me to move down a bit, for example, on beam if I'm scared of a backhand spring on a high beam and I wont go, then my coach tells me to put mats under the beam or do a couple on a lower beam. On bars I would usually get spot or go on the pit bar. For floor, I do a couple into the pit and vault I ask for spot or ask to do some drills to get over the fear.
Hope this helped!

 

[Coacharella]

Well in all cases it depends on why the fear is happening.

Is it because of a fall? An injury? Is this child mentally ready for the skill? Physically ready? Did they see someone else err? Is the fear just completely irrational?

Depending on that, most coaches have methods that involve moving back to progressions or talking with the athlete.