How to Approach Summer Training When You Have a Mental Block in Gymnastics

 

 

Mental blocks are one of the toughest parts of being a gymnast. They show up uninvited—one day you could do a skill just fine, and the next day your body just won’t go.

It can be confusing, frustrating, and even scary. But summer training can be the best time to work through a mental block. With a slower pace, fewer or no competitions, and more time to reset, you can approach your mental block with patience, strategy, and self-compassion.

Here’s how to make the most of summer training—even when your mind is holding you back.

1. Reframe the Block

First, let’s stop seeing the block as a failure. A mental block is your brain's way of saying, “I don’t feel safe.” That’s not weakness. That’s your brain doing its job. The goal isn’t to push through blindly—it’s to rebuild trust between your brain and body.

👉 Reframe it like this:
“This isn’t a setback. This is a message I need to listen to and work with.”

2. Break the Skill Down—Way Down

One of the most effective ways to overcome a mental block is by going back to the basics. If your brain is freezing on a full twist on floor, don’t keep trying the full over and over. Go back to drills. Break the skill into tiny pieces and work those with perfect form and full confidence.

Example:

  • Blocked on a back handspring on beam? Work it on the floor line or laser beam, then move to low beam with panel mats, then slowly take each panel away, etc.

  • Blocked on a back tuck? Go back to drills, tucks on trampoline, or tucks into the pit.

Ask your coach to help you build a slow, smart progression. And celebrate every successful step—no matter how small.

Stick It Girl's Trust Ladder is great for this. Download it by clicking on the image below:

 

 

 

3. Practice Mental Training Daily

Your brain needs training too—especially when it’s struggling with fear or hesitation.

Here are 3 powerful tools:

  • Visualization: Close your eyes and imagine doing the skill successfully. Visualize the approach, the motion, and the landing.

  • Breathing: Deep, steady breaths help signal to your body that you're safe.

  • Mantras: Create a calming mantra (short phrase) like “I am safe. I am ready.” Repeat it as part of your routine.

Even if your body isn’t ready for the skill yet, your brain can keep practicing in the background.

4. Avoid the “All or Nothing” Trap

Progress during a mental block is rarely a straight line. One day you might feel brave. The next, your body might freeze again. That doesn’t mean you’re back at square one—it means you’re human.

Avoid thinking:

  • “If I can’t do it today, I’m failing.”

  • “I have to do the full skill or it doesn’t count.”

Instead think:

  • “Today I moved one step closer.”

  • “Every effort I make is progress, even when it’s hard.”

Give yourself permission to grow at your own pace.

5. Use Summer to Build Confidence in Other Areas

If a mental block is limiting your progress on a specific skill, shift your focus to what you can control and what you can improve.

This is a great time to:

  • Build strength and flexibility

  • Clean up other skills and routines

  • Master dance, posture, and artistry

  • Become a great teammate and leader

  • Work on your mental toughness and resilience

Confidence you build in other areas will help you return to the blocked skill stronger and more grounded.

6. Talk to Someone You Trust

Mental blocks can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Every gymnast deals with mental challenges. Talk to your coach, a parent, or a mental performance coach about how you're feeling. You deserve to be heard and supported.

Sometimes just putting feelings into words helps you take the next step forward.

7. Be Kind to Yourself

Most importantly: give yourself grace.

You're not broken. You're not weak. You're not failing. You’re a strong, brave athlete working through one of the hardest parts of your sport. And that takes serious courage.

Let summer be a time of healing and rebuilding—not pressure or punishment.

Final Thoughts

Your mental block doesn’t define you—but how you respond to it can shape you into a stronger, more self-aware gymnast. Summer training gives you the space and time to rebuild without the pressure of meets or scores. Take small steps. Ask for support. Focus on progress, not perfection.

You’re not stuck. You’re on your way. And you’re doing better than you think.

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