Looking For Advice For My Daughter

[Cheerbubble]

My daughter is 14 years old and has had a mental block for 4 years due to an injury. She is able to do the skills without a spot but wont. We recently started taking her to a sports physcologist and he did seem to be helping, but we have to wait until after Christmas for her next appointment. Last night she had a private and did not do well, wouldnt even throw things with a spot etc. She was to the point of asking me if she should just give up. I told her that was not something I could answer she has to figure out if she is willing to keep trying she says she does not want to give up, but is afraid if she never tumbles again she will never be placed on a team. The last team she was on was a J1. She has not cheered in 2 years because the gym she loves doesnt have a level 1 . She can dance, jump and is a very strong base so she has other quaities to contribute. What would you all do in regards to tryouts? Would you talk to the director and coaches and say hey please give her a shot at level 2 or 3 or would you try to find a gym that would maybe have a stronger level 1 team?. The gym she has been going to does have non tumblers on their higher team, not alot but some. Any input would be great so I can have a plan of action tryouts will be here before we know it!

 

[CheerMom3285]

Hey there!
I think in regards to tryouts your daughter should go into tryouts (if she decides she does want to cheer) and personally tell the coaches that she wants to be considered for the Level 2 or Level 3 teams. Also have her explain that she knows she is a good dancer and jumper and can base, but that she is just struggling with the tumbling.

I think that if it comes from your daughter personally then it will help her chances more then if it comes from you.

Good Luck to your daughter, mental blocks are never fun and I hope she can overcome it

 

[Cheerbubble]

Thank you and you are right coming from her would be better!

 

[CheerMom3285]

Thank you and you are right coming from her would be better!

No problem! when are tryouts? maybe if you have enough time she could still get her skills!!

 

[Cheerbubble]

Tryouts are not until March or April so there is plenty of time for her to get over the block and throw the skill I am just trying to prepare a back up plan just in case LOL! I hate to see her give up the sport she loves just because of a block

 

[CheerMom3285]

Tryouts are not until March or April so there is plenty of time for her to get over the block and throw the skill I am just trying to prepare a back up plan just in case LOL! I hate to see her give up the sport she loves just because of a block

She still has plenty of time to get her skills! I wish her the best of luck

 

[Cheerbubble]

She still has plenty of time to get her skills! I wish her the best of luck

Thank you!

 

[Emili Clark]

I personally have just come back from a knee injury and had a mental block forever! The only way i found out to get over it is to keep throwing the skills with a spot, until she decides to just throw it. Once she throws it she will be just fine theres not much you can do for a mental block, its up to the athlete.

 

[Cheerbubble]

I personally have just come back from a knee injury and had a mental block forever! The only way i found out to get over it is to keep throwing the skills with a spot, until she decides to just throw it. Once she throws it she will be just fine theres not much you can do for a mental block, its up to the athlete.

Thank you Emili I know all I can do is encourage from the side!

 

[catlady]

The rules have changed in All Star and a team can score well with 75% of the team participating in tumbling. Our coaches have relaxed tremendously and a lot of pressure is off those that struggle with their skills or mental blocks. We had a girl on one team we called "Pageant Girl" and she could not throw a single skill except for a wicked somersault but, she was front and center for most of the routine. Her gift was basically saying "TaDaaa" with her arms, smile and body language, it was hilarious to watch her, she was a great asset to the team!

 

[SharkDad]

kanders I tried to push when CP had a block years ago until she finally told me. . ."you pushing me is not going to make me want to do this, it will only make me hate going to the gym. I have to do this myself"

That was the last time I pushed her at doing any skill.

What yuo can do is encourage her and let her know you believe she can do it, she just has to beleieve in herself again. It understandable to have doubts after injury and tell her that you'll support her so that whenever she is ready you will be there to watch her finally hit it again.

Finally the reality check. . .let her know that while this is entirely her decision and you will support her no matter what, at some point she may not make a team if this block continues past tryouts.

I think if you don't say another word about it it may take some of the pressure off and let her gain that confidence back.

final suggestion: www.fortheloveoftumbling.com is a great website with lots of awesome tools to get past blocks. Debbie Love is a personable and exceptional coach and often times responds directly to e-mails from kids having troubles. Her two kids are very positive motivators as well.

good luck!

 

[Cheerbubble]

The rules have changed in All Star and a team can score well with 75% of the team participating in tumbling. Our coaches have relaxed tremendously and a lot of pressure is off those that struggle with their skills or mental blocks. We had a girl on one team we called "Pageant Girl" and she could not throw a single skill except for a wicked somersault but, she was front and center for most of the routine. Her gift was basically saying "TaDaaa" with her arms, smile and body language, it was hilarious to watch her, she was a great asset to the team!

Thank you this gives me hope!! Lol

 

[Cheerbubble]

kanders I tried to push when CP had a block years ago until she finally told me. . ."you pushing me is not going to make me want to do this, it will only make me hate going to the gym. I have to do this myself"

That was the last time I pushed her at doing any skill.

What yuo can do is encourage her and let her know you believe she can do it, she just has to beleieve in herself again. It understandable to have doubts after injury and tell her that you'll support her so that whenever she is ready you will be there to watch her finally hit it again.

Finally the reality check. . .let her know that while this is entirely her decision and you will support her no matter what, at some point she may not make a team if this block continues past tryouts.

I think if you don't say another word about it it may take some of the pressure off and let her gain that confidence back.

final suggestion: www.fortheloveoftumbling.com is a great website with lots of awesome tools to get past blocks. Debbie Love is a personable and exceptional coach and often times responds directly to e-mails from kids having troubles. Her two kids are very positive motivators as well.

good luck!

I have actually spoken with Debbie and we tried all her suggestions. A coach at her gym actually mentioned the sports psychologist and I think he can really help once we get back in there. I guess I'm just concerned that if she doesn't get over the block that it will mean no more cheering for her and I know she would be devestated. I no longer say anything about the tumbling unless its encouragement ! Thanks for the advice and sorry it took so long to reply! I will look into Debbie's site again .

 

[initfortheglitter]

Mental blocks suck. Honestly I would continue seeing the psychologist, but take, like, a month long break. Stepping back and de-stressing over the subject gives you a much clearer view on the decision to make

 

[Cheerbubble]

Mental blocks suck. Honestly I would continue seeing the psychologist, but take, like, a month long break. Stepping back and de-stressing over the subject gives you a much clearer view on the decision to make

They do suck!! I told the psyc if he gets her over this I will tell anybody and everybody to go see him if they are blocking lol!! I agree with not making a rash decision I always tell her to sleep on it and decide and she always comes back with I'm not giving up I will get over this!