In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, Coach Rebecca answers a question from a parent whose seven year old gymnast has been stuck on her round off back handspring for nearly a year. Although she can do the skill with a small amount of support, she freezes when that support is removed.

Rebecca explains why this may not be a matter of unwillingness, but an actual mental block where the brain detects a threat and stops the body from moving forward. She shares why changing the language from “unwilling” to “unable” can help parents better understand what their gymnast is experiencing.

We talk about why progress with mental blocks is rarely linear, how parents can develop and model a growth mindset, and why tiny steps forward still count as real progress. Rebecca explains the importance of building more “rungs” into the progression instead of expecting a gymnast to jump from a full spot to no spot, and how gradually reducing support can help the brain feel safe.

She also discusses the role of coaches, different learning styles, checking technique, and why parents should praise effort, resilience, and small wins instead of focusing only on whether the skill has been achieved.

In this episode you will hear:

• Why a gymnast may freeze even when she is physically capable
• How parents can respond to mental blocks without adding pressure
• Why small progress is still progress
• How to build confidence through gradual progressions
• The importance of a growth mindset for athletes and parents
• How coaches can help gymnasts move through their comfort zone
• Why understanding how a child learns can make a difference

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

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