Mental blocks in gymnastics are more than just frustrating—they can be heartbreaking. Watching your gymnast struggle with a skill they once performed with confidence can be confusing and emotional for both athlete and parent. As a parent, it's natural to want to help, but knowing when and how to step in and speak with the coach can be tricky.
Here’s a guide to help you determine the right time to talk to your child’s coach about a mental block, and how to approach the conversation with empathy and collaboration in mind.
Understanding Mental Blocks
A mental block in gymnastics is a psychological barrier that prevents a gymnast from performing a skill they’re physically capable of doing. These blocks often stem from fear, past falls, performance pressure, or even fatigue. They’re not signs of laziness or lack of discipline; rather, they are legitimate mental health challenges.
Common signs of a mental block include:
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Sudden refusal or hesitation to perform a skill
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Repeated "balking" mid-skill
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Avoidance of practice or talk about gymnastics
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Visible anxiety before certain events or drills
When to Step In
As a parent, your role is to support your gymnast, emotionally and physically. You don’t need to rush into a coach’s office after a single tough practice—but there are times when it’s appropriate and necessary to have a conversation.
Here are key signs it might be time to talk to the coach:
1. The Block Persists for Weeks
If your gymnast has been stuck for several weeks with no sign of improvement or change in training approach, it’s worth a conversation. Coaches may be unaware of how deeply the block is affecting the athlete.
2. Your Gymnast Is Losing Joy or Confidence
If you notice a drop in your child’s overall attitude toward gymnastics, changes in sleep or appetite, or a sense of dread about going to the gym, it’s time to loop in the coach.
3. Physical Safety Is a Concern
If your child is being pushed to perform the blocked skill without adequate emotional support, and this is leading to dangerous attempts or repeated injuries, it’s crucial to intervene.
4. There’s a Breakdown in Communication
If your gymnast feels unheard or afraid to speak to their coach about the issue, or if they’ve tried and felt dismissed, a parent stepping in might help open the door for better dialogue.
5. No Alternative Plans or Progressions Are Being Used
A thoughtful coach will typically use drills, progressions, or alternative techniques to work around a mental block. If your child is stuck doing the same failed approach with no adjustment, it may be time to question the strategy.
How to Talk to the Coach
Approach the conversation with the intent to collaborate, not to criticize. Here are some tips:
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Request a private meeting instead of confronting the coach before or after practice.
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Express empathy: Acknowledge that you understand coaching mental blocks is challenging.
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Speak from your child’s perspective: Share what your gymnast is feeling or expressing at home.
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Ask questions, such as:
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“What strategies have you tried so far to help her?”
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“Is there a different progression or approach we might consider?”
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“What can we do at home to support her better?”
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Remember: most coaches want the same thing you do—a confident, happy, and safe athlete.
When to Consider Outside Help
Sometimes, coaches and gymnasts need extra support. A sports psychologist, mental performance coach, or therapist with experience in gymnastics can make a big difference. If the coach is resistant to this or doesn’t take the issue seriously, that’s a red flag.
Final Thoughts
Mental blocks are part of the sport for many gymnasts. They’re also a chance to learn resilience, self-awareness, and problem-solving. As a parent, your involvement should be guided by your child’s well-being, not pressure to "fix" the problem quickly.
Step in when needed—but do so with compassion and the understanding that overcoming a mental block is a team effort between gymnast, coach, and family.