Mental blocks, tumbling blocks, balking….these are words that parents hate to even think about, let alone have to deal with.  Unfortunately, developing a sudden fear of a skill is a common experience in gymnastics and cheerleading - and other sports as well.  Jumping, releasing, tossing, flipping, going backwards on a beam, dismounts…there are a number of moves and stun [...]

“Be confident!”  How many times has that that word been used during sports?  From coaches, parents, team members. Confidence is talked about like it is a cure-all for any nerves or uncertainty an athlete is dealing with.  I remember growing up and facing many situations where I was nervous, scared, and totally unsure of myself.  “You have to [...]

If this is your first time visiting this site, or hearing about me, this is a common question....this sounds great, but what is mental toughness really? Put simply, it is performing consistently to the best of your abilities - with focus, confidence, determination, and resilience; even when under pressure. Mental Toughness Is Always Important We see athletes at every level w [...]

Fear.  If there is one primary enemy to being mentally tough, it is fear.  Fear in sports is hands down the biggest cause of mental interference.  I’ve seen it in athletes of all ages, experience levels, and sports.  Having an understanding of what is happening can often help. The crazy thing is this:  Fear is nothing more than your subconscio [...]