pairs the words they say with completing the skill. In addition to visualizing, have your athletes walk through the skill they are blocking on. Have them move their body through each of the body positions required for the skill while saying mental choreography. Instruct them to Feel their body doing the skill as much as possible. Be sure they complete each body position from start to finish.
Anchors
It's important athletes are aware when their mind is loose and off track. Their mind must be anchored strong and steady to stay on course in the storm of negative thinking. Just as your athletes pull their body back to proper position to make a technical correction, they can pull their mind back the same way by using an anchor.
An anchor is a series of thoughts or actions that pull the mind back to focus and doubtlessness. An anchor is strong "come-backs" to negative thoughts. These thoughts help return the athlete's mind to focus, fearlessness, and doubtlessness. Examples of strong anchors include: "breathe, stay on course, I can do this", "breathe, tight mind, don't go there", or "relax, keep it cool, it's no big deal." Each anchor statement should include breathing and positive self-talk. Anchors should break the downward spiral of frustration, fear, or nervousness, and get the athlete's mind back on course. Whenever they feel a block coming on, they can use their anchor to move them toward a positive place. Notice when their mind is loose and "re-mind" them to do their anchors to pull it back.
Remember to keep it cool.
Breaking the block is something all figure skaters can do. It's important for coaches to keep positive. Stress feeds the Block Beast. It is helpful for coaches to model and mirror the state of mind they want their athletes to be in. Many times coaches make the mistake of meeting an athlete's mood instead of leading them to a more productive space. For example, many coaches react with frustration when an athlete is experiencing extreme frustration. When this happens, athlete and coach fuel each other in negative ways. Model the behavior you want your athletes to have. Reinforcing doubtlessness is a good way to break down a block. Blocks respond faster to an expectation of, "I know you will work through this", "Today is just an off day, let's go back to the progression," and "It's coming easier and easier every day". Blocks feed on emotional reactions. Being non-emotional, confident, and expressing belief in your athlete will help them have the courage they need to beat the block.
Remember to take the three-handed approach to beating the block. Combining progressions, repetitions, and mental tools will help you and your athlete break through blocks before they break you.