Building Better Athletes: Pre-Season Gymnastics Mindset Training
- raisethebargymnast
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 31
The Importance of Pre-Season Gymnastics Mindset Training
A few years ago, at the start of pre-season gymnastics mindset training, I wanted to try something different with my athletes. Instead of diving straight into skills, drills, and routine work, I set aside a quiet afternoon in the gym for a confidence and mindset session.
No routines. No timed warm-ups. No pressure. Just spotting blocks as tables, folding chairs, and a scatter of pens, markers, and stickers across the mats.
I used a packet I had created and later turned into the Pre-Season Confidence and Mindset Training Workbook, walking through it page by page. The first exercise? Writing down something each athlete was proud of in their gymnastics journey.
The room came alive. Faces lit up as athletes shared proud moments with friends and teammates. It was a powerful reminder of how important it is to pause and celebrate progress, not just performance, especially during pre-season gymnastics mindset training.
Exploring Key Topics
Next, we explored topics like:
ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts)
Affirmations
Goal Setting
I was amazed to hear athletes talk openly about nerves, pressure, and fear of failure—things that usually stay bottled up during practice. Even better? Their teammates responded with encouragement and understanding, creating an immediate sense of trust.
Shifting Team Energy
By the time we reached the last activity—picking a “word for the season”—the team energy had completely shifted. Each athlete picked a word for the entire gymnastics season and decorated their word on a note card to display on the gym wall.
As a coach, I am sure you have had plenty of team meetings or talks after practice, but for me, this one felt different. That single afternoon became a launching point for the entire season.
Athletes leaned on each other when things got tough.
They remembered to focus on progress, not perfection.
And they carried that confidence and trust into every practice and meet.
Lasting Impact of Mindset Training
If you’re a coach looking to kick off your season with intention, I can’t recommend this enough. While the workbook can be used one-on-one, the group experience is truly special—and the lessons last long after that afternoon ends.
Creating a supportive environment is crucial for athletes. When they feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions, they can grow both personally and athletically. This training session fostered that environment.
Affirmations play a significant role in building confidence. Encouraging athletes to create positive statements about themselves can help combat negative thoughts. This simple practice can transform their mindset and performance.
Goal setting is another vital aspect of training. When athletes set goals together, they build camaraderie and accountability. It’s not just about individual achievements; it’s about the team’s collective success.
In conclusion, integrating mindset training into your pre-season routine can yield remarkable results. It helps athletes develop resilience, confidence, and a strong team bond.
As you prepare for the upcoming season, consider incorporating these techniques. They can make a significant difference in your athletes' performance and overall experience.
-Coach Taylor
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