Mental block is a term commonly used during training, specially in acrobatic and high risk sports, but in many cases what athletes are actually experiencing is fear of executing a skill. That fear is completely normal, and it tends to appear even more when there are parts of the movement that are not fully clear or have not been trained enough.
In specialized sports science literature, a mental block is often referred to as Last Movement Syndrome (LMS). It is described as a condition in which an athlete involuntarily becomes unable to execute a movement they were previously able to perform, freezing during the action despite consciously knowing what to do. This is different from fear related to learning or refining a skill.
When what you dealing with is fear, the solution is primarily technical. The first action is to take a step back to the foundations of the movement. This means breaking the skill down into parts, separating it into phases, and training each phase individually until it is well mastered. From there, the skill is gradually rebuilt, putting all the parts together on less intimidating surfaces and always with the support of a coach.
Coach Frez’s recommended training approach:
– Break the skill into clear phases and train each one independently.
– Identify the most scary phase by mentally performing the skill.
– Practice fundamental drills that reinforce correct movement patterns.
– Execute the skill on less intimidating surfaces before progressing.
– Ask your coach for help to gradually reassemble the full skill.
– Use controlled repetitions focused on quality, not speed.
– Rehearse the skill by visualizing it in slow motion from start to finish.
There will be a moment when you “overcome” the fear, but before reaching that point, you must be confident that you truly understand and control the entire technique. One simple self-check is to close your eyes and imagine the entire skill in slow motion, from start to finish. If there is any part of the movement that you cannot clearly visualize or do not know how to execute, that is the part you need to train more.
I have seen this in many athletes. It is not an irrational or paralyzing fear, but a completely normal and valid response to something you have not fully understood or mastered yet. The good news is that it is much easier to address. In most cases, you simply need to continue working on the right drills. If it were a true mental block, you would likely need the help of a sports psychologist or a coach specialized in performance with a background in mental performance. What you probably have is normal and manageable. Be patient, trust the process, and you will get there.
If you want more practical tips, clear explanations, and evidence-based guidance to help you progress safely and confidently in your training, subscribe to my newsletter “Tumbling Insights” for free.