Dealing with nerves and fear?

[LucyTRA]

I've competed 4 times since I started competing in October. The first time, I was nervous, but I wasn't really bothered about the result. I didn't expect to win anything, and I was just concerning myself with competing and landing my routines. I took 1st place and was super surprised and happy.

The next comp was an 'invitational' (a friendly competition tacked onto the end of a 2 day training camp) with kids who were AMAZING. Again, I didn't expect to win anything, but I actually came 3rd and my team came first.

Then I did a Uni comp, where I WAS bothered about winning and wanted to do well. I got so nervous and came 10th out of 15 in my category. Then last week I did an in house comp at my club where I was put in the most advanced category and came joint 3rd out of 4 (last).

I've been more nervous with each successive comp because I've put more pressure on myself, and because I've been in higher categories each time. Routines that I used to do with relative ease now look forced and sloppy, and my scores are suffering. When I came out of the last 2 comps with those scores I felt so bad....

I know exactly what I'd say if any of the kids I coach came to me and told me this stuff but I just can't take my own advice. And I've realised that although I now work 5 or 6 somersaults into a 10 move routine they actually still scare me a bit.


Any advice on dealing with the pressure would be greatly appreciated!

 

[raenndrops]

set skill related goals and don't worry about placement (or even really scores)... Placement is something you CANNOT control... it is all about how the numbers play out at a given competition.
Focus on your skills... make them the best that YOU can and relax a little.... maybe meditate... get some sleep... and breathe.

 

[LucyTRA]

Thanks @raenndrops , I'd never really thought about placement like that before!

I really am more skills focused and oriented - to the point where I have the new skills I want to learn written on my fridge in magnets! - but I think maybe I should change some of those goals to be more routine focused, I can perform individual skills well and without being scared but as soon as I try and work them into a routine I get scared or don't perform as well.

 

[raenndrops]

Thanks @raenndrops , I'd never really thought about placement like that before!

I really am more skills focused and oriented - to the point where I have the new skills I want to learn written on my fridge in magnets! - but I think maybe I should change some of those goals to be more routine focused, I can perform individual skills well and without being scared but as soon as I try and work them into a routine I get scared or don't perform as well.

That's a good idea. my older gymmie has a lot of skills - on their own - but they don't look as good in combination (she does artistic, but the same principle as your skills not as good in comp).
Good luck with everything.