
What Not to Do at Your Gymnastics State Meet: Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Competing at your gymnastics state meet is a major milestone—a culmination of months or even years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The stakes are high, and emotions can run even higher. While much of the focus tends to be on what to do to succeed, it's just as important to know what not to do to avoid costly mistakes. Here's a guide to help you steer clear of common errors and make your experience at state a positive one.
1. Don’t Skip Your Usual Routine
It might be tempting to try something new on the day of the meet—like a different breakfast, a new warm-up stretch, or last-minute skills. This is not the time to experiment. Stick to the routine you've practiced leading up to the competition. Your body and mind thrive on familiarity under pressure.
2. Don’t Arrive Late
Being late creates unnecessary stress and can throw off your mental focus. Always plan to arrive early enough to register, change, warm up properly, and get settled. Factor in time for traffic, parking, and navigating a potentially unfamiliar venue. As a gymnast, you might not always have control over this
3. Don’t Overthink Every Move
Overanalyzing your routines or obsessing about potential mistakes can backfire. Instead of thinking about every detail, trust your training. Your muscle memory and hours of preparation will carry you through if you allow them to.
4. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
It's easy to get caught up in watching other gymnasts and comparing scores, skills, or execution. Focus on your own performance. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and the state meet is a celebration of your personal best—not someone else’s.
5. Don’t Disrespect Coaches, Judges, or Fellow Athletes
Even if you're frustrated or disappointed, stay respectful. Judges are doing their jobs, and so are your coaches. Be supportive of teammates and competitors alike. Poor sportsmanship can reflect badly on you and your team.
6. Don’t Let One Mistake Ruin Your Meet
A fall or wobble can feel like the end of the world in the moment, but it's just one event. Stay mentally tough. You can bounce back and even finish strong. Dwelling on a mistake only increases the chances of compounding it.
7. Don’t Forget Your Essentials
Make a checklist and double-check your bag the night before. Leotard, grips, wristbands, hair supplies, snacks, water, ID—forgetting a key item can add unnecessary panic. Be prepared, and pack extras if you can.
8. Don’t Ignore Mental Preparation
Gymnastics is as much mental as it is physical. Don’t underestimate the power of visualizing your routines, practicing calming breathing techniques, and using positive self-talk. Walking in confident and focused can make a big difference.
9. Don’t Skip a Proper Cool-Down
After your last event, it’s tempting to skip the cool-down and jump into celebration mode. But neglecting your body can lead to tight muscles and increased risk of soreness or injury. Take care of yourself now so you feel good tomorrow.
10. Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Experience
Yes, the competition is important—but don’t forget why you started gymnastics in the first place. Have fun, soak in the moment, and be proud of how far you’ve come. These are the memories you'll carry with you long after the scores are forgotten.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common mistakes won’t guarantee a gold medal, but they will help set the stage for a smoother, more focused, and more enjoyable state meet experience. Prepare well, stay calm, and most importantly—trust yourself. You've earned your spot, and this is your time to shine.