Mental Blocks In Cheerleading

Tips on Overcoming and PTSD For Athletes

Do's:

• Do Acknowledge the Blocks

• Recognize and accept that a mental block exists. Acknowledging it is the first step towards overcoming it.

• Do Practice Visualization:

• Encourage athletes to visualize themselves successfully performing the skill or routine. Visualization helps build mental confidence.

• Do Break Down the Skill:

• Break the skill into smaller, manageable steps. Focus on mastering each step individually before putting them all together.

• Do Create a Positive Environment:

• Surround the athlete with positive reinforcement and support. Encouragement from coaches and teammates can boost confidence.

• Do Focus on Relaxation Techniques:

• Teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness to help reduce anxiety and stress.

• Do Set Realistic Goals:

• Set small, achievable goals that lead up to performing the full skill. Celebrate progress, no matter how small.

• Do Use Positive Self-Talk:

• Encourage the use of positive affirmations and self-talk to combat negative thoughts and build confidence.

• Do Take Breaks:

• Allow the athlete to take breaks if needed. Sometimes stepping away for a short period can help reset the mind.

• Do Seek Professional Help:

• If the block persists, consider consulting a sports psychologist or Doctah Hyacinth, and Intuitive Naturopathic Healer who has worked with Cheerleaders overcoming mental blocks with their skills.  I provide specialized techniques and support to get you back on the floor in 1-3 sessions.

• Do Encourage Consistent Practice:

• Consistency in practice helps build muscle memory and confidence, making it easier to overcome the block.

• Do Practice Another Skill or a New Skill:

• Working on a different skill can help shift focus away from the block and build overall confidence.

• Do Practice Skills You Are Comfortable With and Clean Them Up:

• Focusing on perfecting familiar skills can boost confidence and reduce anxiety.

• Do Know That Although You Get Your Skill Back, You Should Still Continue to Practice the Skill and the Mental Techniques It Took to Get the Skill Back:

• Continuously practicing the skill and mental techniques reinforces progress and helps prevent future blocks.
  

Don'ts:

• Don’t Ignore the Problem:

  • Ignoring or denying the existence of a mental block can make it worse. Address it openly and constructively.

• Don’t Apply Excessive Pressure:

• Avoid putting too much pressure on the athlete to overcome the block quickly. Pressure can increase anxiety and reinforce the block.

• Don’t Use Negative Reinforcement:

• Criticism, punishment, or negative feedback can demoralize the athlete and exacerbate the block.

• Don’t Compare to Others:

• Avoid comparing the athlete to their peers or to their past performance. Everyone progresses at their own pace.

• Don’t Skip Progressions:

• Ensure the athlete doesn’t skip necessary progressions or steps when relearning the skill. Each step is important for building confidence.

• Don’t Focus Solely on the Blocked Skill:

• Diversify training by working on other skills or aspects of cheerleading. This can help reduce the fixation on the blocked skill.

• Don’t Dismiss Physical Concerns:

• Ensure there are no underlying physical issues contributing to the mental block. Pain or discomfort can affect performance.

• Don’t Isolate the Athlete:

• Keep the athlete involved in team activities and practices, even if they’re not performing the blocked skill.

• Don’t Rush the Process:

• Overcoming a mental block takes time. Be patient and supportive throughout the process.

• Don’t Forget to Celebrate Small Wins:

• Celebrate all progress, no matter how small. Recognizing and rewarding effort can boost morale and motivation.

Additional Do's and Don'ts for Parents:

Do's:

• Do Practice Another Skill or a New Skill:

  • Encourage your child to try different skills to build confidence and focus.

• Do Practice Skills You Are Comfortable With and Clean Them Up:

• Support your child in perfecting familiar skills to boost their confidence.

• Do Know That Although You Get Your Skill Back, You Should Still Continue to Practice the Skill and the Mental Techniques It Took to Get the Skill Back:

• Reinforce the importance of ongoing practice and mental techniques to maintain progress.

Don'ts:

• Parents Do Not Place Fear and Focus on the Mental Block:

  • Avoid emphasizing the block and instead focus on positive progress and achievements.

• Parents Do Not Project Your Negative Energies on the Situation:

• Maintain a positive and supportive attitude to help your child overcome their block.

Additional Do's and Don'ts for Coaches:

Do's:

• Do Practice Another Skill or a New Skill:

  • Encourage athletes to work on different skills to build confidence and focus.

• Do Practice Skills You Are Comfortable With and Clean Them Up:

• Help athletes perfect familiar skills to boost their confidence.

• Do Know That Although You Get Your Skill Back, You Should Still Continue to Practice the Skill and the Mental Techniques It Took to Get the Skill Back:

• Reinforce the importance of ongoing practice and mental techniques to maintain progress.

Don'ts:

• Coaches Do Not Yell Commands at the Athlete When They Are in Mid-Air or in the Middle of Doing a Skill:

  • Yelling commands during execution can increase anxiety and disrupt focus.

    
    

    

    
    

By incorporating these additional do's and don'ts for parents and coaches, you can provide a comprehensive guide to help cheerleaders effectively navigate and overcome mental blocks with the support of their entire team.

Take the Next Step to Overcome Your Mental Blocks in Cheerleading

Parents and Cheerleaders,

Addressing Mental Blocks is crucial for your child’s well-being and athletic performance. If your cheerleader is struggling with mental blocks or anxiety, professional support can make a world of difference.

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With specialized expertise in spiritual healing and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT),  Somata-Respiratory Integration, Flowtrition, and Spiritual Healing Works, I provide tailored sessions to help cheerleaders overcome their blocks and regain their confidence.

Parents: Ensure your child receives the holistic care they deserve. Let’s work together to unlock their full potential.

Cheerleaders: Take charge of your journey to mental and emotional freedom. You deserve to thrive in your sport and life.

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