Rebuilding Confidence Post-Injury
Hey Coach, I have a gymnast who is returning from a back injury and is scared of performing certain moves. How do I rebuild her confidence?
Navigating the path of recovery after an injury can often be a battle fought more in the mind than the body. Just like building muscles, confidence needs to be carefully rebuilt, step by step, move by move.
A couple of years back, I had a conversation with legendary strength coach Dan John. He told me about an athlete who had been through a severe injury. The athlete had physically recovered, but mentally, there was a block. Dan said something that stuck with me: "The body heals, but the mind holds the scars."
This sentiment holds especially true for a gymnast returning from a back injury, grappling with the fear of performing certain moves. There’s a natural hesitancy, a mental block that whispers "What if it happens again?"
I worked with a high school football team last year that had an athlete who had to face a similar situation. A knee injury had put him off the field for months. When he returned, the fear was palpable. What helped him was a method that I believe can be just as effective for our gymnast friend.
Step 1: Acknowledge the Fear
The first step to overcoming fear is acknowledging it. It’s okay to be scared. An injury can be a traumatic experience, and it’s natural to be afraid of re-injury. It’s important to create a safe space where the athlete can express these fears without judgment.
Step 2: Understand the Healing Process
Understanding the healing process is crucial. Often, athletes fear that their body hasn’t fully healed. A clear communication channel with the athletic trainers can provide reassurance. Knowing that they are physically ready is the first step towards mental readiness.
Step 3: Start Small
Once the fear has been acknowledged and the athlete knows they are physically ready, it’s time to start small. Break down the moves that scare them into smaller, more manageable parts. Gradually build up from there. The most important goal is to KEEP the goal the goal! In this case, the goal is to rebuild confidence, step by step. Make sure they do all the rehab, even when it starts to feel better.
Step 4: Visualize Success
Visualization is a powerful tool. Encourage the gymnast to close their eyes and visualize themselves performing the move flawlessly. This mental rehearsal can create a positive mental image that replaces the fear.
Step 5: Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrate the small wins. Each successful move is a step towards regaining confidence. This positive reinforcement can work wonders in rebuilding self-belief.
In the end, it’s all about taking that leap of faith, both metaphorically and literally in the case of a gymnast. The road to recovery is as much about healing the mind as it is about healing the body. It’s not about the setback; it’s about the comeback! With the right approach, your gymnast will not only return to the mat but will fly higher than ever before.
Lastly, here is a great motivational video for gymnasts.
Cheers,
James Leath
