Progression steps are a key foundation to successful training both mentally and physically. The idea is to teach with strategy focusing on form, proper next steps, and patience to allow the gymnast’s courage and trust in themselves/coaches build alongside those progression steps. That’s where mental coaching comes in.
Mental training teaches the athlete to focus and learn how to apply corrections they’ve received in a way that makes sense to them. This will include understanding their learning/communication styles, creating a safe environment for the athlete to express themselves, and assess which steps need to be taken in order for the athlete to progress. These steps are also important because if something were to happen causing a mental block, moving to previous steps have shown to be beneficial in rewiring the athlete’s thought process. Mental training is a great tool for coaches, athletes, and parents who are curious about how to best support their child in challenging situations.