In Parts 1 and 2 of this series, coaches and parents weighed in on the struggles of mental blocks. For Part 3, we spoke directly with the athletes.

What do you think caused your mental block?

8-year-old:

I was getting spotted on my back tuck and I hurt my heel. Once my heel felt better, I couldn’t tumble because I was afraid of falling and it hurting again.

10-year-old:

I think I was overthinking it. I was just scared to go backward.

12-year-old:
I think to have longer breaks from cheer and not being in the rhythm of tumbling caused my struggles.

13-year-old:

I think my mental block started when I fell out of a back tuck for the first time. Before that, I didn't really think I would fall because I was so confident in my skills.   

What seems to help you the most in overcoming your tumbling fears?

8-year-old:

Trying not to think about it too much helps me the most.

10-year-old:

Certain coaches help me. There has to be trust there. They help me by motivating me—I don't want to disappoint them.

12-year-old:

Either being spotted or going on a softer mat and practicing over and over seems to help me. It also helps when I have a coach that I trust helping me. Bribery works sometimes, too!

13-year-old:

The most helpful thing for me to overcome my tumbling fears would probably be repetition. When I repeat a skill over and over, my brain can get used to the way the skill is supposed to feel and that makes me feel less scared.

Is there anything coaches or parents do that seems to make it worse for you?

8-year-old:

No, they help me to just do it.

10-year-old:

Telling me to 'Just do it!' Hearing those words makes me want to burst into tears and not want to do it! It makes me feel pressure, and I don't like that feeling.
12-year-old:

When they put pressure on me. I feel their disappointment, and it stresses me out.

13-year-old:

To be honest, my mom is really hard on me. She says it's because she wants me to do the best I can, but often it just stresses me out even more. My coaches are really fun and easy to work with, and I know they're doing what's best for me when I'm practicing my skills with them.

Do you have any advice for someone who might be going through a mental block?

8-year-old:

Try not to think about it—just do it. And most importantly, DON’T GIVE UP!

10-year-old:

It might take some time to get it back, but don't worry about. Wait until you feel you can do it, and do it. Don't force it!

12-year-old:

Find a friend or a coach to encourage you and get on a mat to help support you. You just have to keep trying until it feels right again. It's not easy!

13-year-old:

Work through your tumbling slowly until you feel like you are in control. Don’t put so much power into your tumbling if you’re feeling scared. In time, as you gain confidence, you can speed it up again.