help with visualization

[momof5]

My L8 DD always tells me she can't visualize. They do a lot of visualization on practice and she tells me she just gets frustrated because she can't see it. She says she can't visualize herself doing the routines. She even has a hard time visualizing like she is watching herself. She is having a hard time at competions competing like she practices. She is growing very frustrated. How does visualization help and how can she learn to visualize?

 

[All Chalked Up]

I'm in the same boat. I read Dr. Ali's stuff on visualization (she also has videos online) and they're helping me learn to visualize.

 

[MaryA]

Doc Ali also has a download or cd you can buy on her website. That might help her practice the visualization process.

 

[flippin out]

Doc Ali also has workbooks as well as the other things mentioned above. There's also a great series of books on Amazon - (Sports Psychology Library). The SPL series is Sport specific and has one for gymnasts.
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[Kiwi]

My DD can't visualise either. I don't think she is able to imagine pictures in her head. I figured maybe it was because she is only young (just turned 9)...?

 

[Esoteric]

My 8 yo dd definitely visualizes, and has for at least a few years that I am aware of, so I do not think age is a factor. I learned the art of visualization from my gym coach back in the 80's- he would lead the entire team on "guided meditations." I have often used this technique with both of my daughters for various things. The key is to be relaxed and completely present. Focus on breathing, works best when lying down and eyes closed. You can have silence or soothing music in the background and ask your dd in a calm- almost monotone voice to start with her toes- become aware of them and aware of the tension leaving them and then work up the body, one section at a time until you come to their head. The whole while focus on breathing. Then guide them through each event. It helps if you know their routines, but if not, begin with , for example, bars- putting on grips, getting chalk, breathing, knowing she is going to execute a flawless routine, preparing for mount, focusing on how she grasps and swings and releases and is powerful and fearless and tight and graceful swinging between bars, setting up for dismount, and sticking it. Continue like this through the events. Also, teach your dd that if there are certain words or phrases the coach says for certain moves, to say them to herself while visualizing.
Learning how to be present and relaxed is the biggie. Yoga and other forms of meditation are wonderful assets for athletes, and they really help pave the way for the skills needed to visualize. It is just like dreaming, but with utmost confidence and perfection- there are no uncontrolled variables. Your vision is what you alone create. LOTS of positivity!
Good luck to all of your dds on their "vision quest!"

 

[fliptwisttwirl]

Record your daughter doing her routines and show her the best ones and have her watch them over and over again until she can see herself doing the routines perfectly. If she doesn't have the routines perfected or atleast getting 9's on them maybe ask an older gymnast if you can record her doing your daughters routines and then have your little girl watch her doing them and then see herself as the one doing it. Hope this helped!

 

[Faith]

Is it just the "seeing" herself do the routines she struggles with? Can she "feel" herself doing them?

Ask her to try lying in bed as she goes to sleep and run through the routine in her head. Feel her body doing it perfectly, her hands hitting the beam right, catching the bar. Thinking about all the little perfections, extended leg, pointed toes. Not seeing herself doing it, but imagining a perfect routine. While she's completely relaxed but focussed. Like the above said, even of she has to picture someone else to start with.

I always tell my daughter her brain has to know how to do it first. Then her brain will tell her body, and eventually with practice her body will do it automatically, so the brain can learn something new.

 

[Kiwi]

ask your dd in a calm- almost monotone voice to start with her toes- become aware of them and aware of the tension leaving them and then work up the body, one section at a time until you come to their head.

I tried this as a relaxation method with my DD and it didn't work at all.

Is it just the "seeing" herself do the routines she struggles with? Can she "feel" herself doing them?

She can't do this either...

Maybe picturing someone else first will help.

 

[shelovestoflip]

For some children (and adults!) the concept of visualization is tough because it requires them to slow down and on some level, they're not ready/wanting to slow down.

Couple that with an adult (coach/parent) suddenly asking them to focus and slow down...especially visualizing a skill that they are struggling with or is challenging and the visualization is even more of a challenge.

Why visualize the layout or flyaway or full turn on beam when I struggle with it in 'real life'?, they're thinking!

So while it's counter intuitive, you might actually back away right now and let it come from her.

My daughter's gym does do visualization and my daughter does fine with it but I think it helps that she has a yoga class once a week at school as part of their wellness program and she has learned a lot of slowing down and meditation as well.

Something she loves is one of the Wii games where they lie (or sit, I forget) as still as possible and control their breathing/movement so the flame on the candle doesn't go out.

maybe something like that for your daughter to start, just getting used to focus and quiet.

down the road that may help her with more specific visualization.

Good Luck!