SELF-TALK

Self-Talk is very important in gymnastics since everything that you do can be backed up with fear, doubt and mental issues. Talking to yourself or giving little cues before skills or during routines can be helpful. This type of self-talk will be positive and encouraging.

What I say

As an example, here is a run down of what I would say to myself during a beam routine....

Walk up to the beam, "Deep breath you can do this". Right before first skill, " Switch-split back tuck. Big step and chest up, switch-split... Back tuck... Good job." In the dance leading up to acro series. "Okay you can do this, it is the same thing as the floor. Straight over the top of the beam... Let's go... Ready and... back handspring, back layout. Take a deep breath, the hard part is over, dance and show it off." Before my side sumi aerial, "Take a deep breath and relax... Ready... 1,2,3 push off hard... Okay good landing now one more skill... Switch-split half... remember to swing up and then turn...Squeeze your legs on the landing... Yes okay... you got this dismount, it is the easiest skill..." After the landing,"Good job Michelle!"