04/15/2026
Even the highest level athletes can go through a rough patch - Their anxiety may be high and they feel like nothing in their jumps is clicking when they compete. These athletes can start to spiral, become negative, and lose all of their confidence in themselves. What can a coach do to help them find their groove again?
- Remain positive - it is typical for athletes to plateau or have a tough meet or two, it happens. Help keep the athlete focused on things that are looking good in their jump while providing positively framed feedback on components that need work.
- Go back to the basics - Work through drills that use the muscle memory that the athlete has built and promote good solid form. These easier drills can help the athlete start to feel more confident in their movements and abilities as they are drills they have done before.
- Be patient - When an athlete cares deeply about their performance and wants to get better, there will be many emotions. Let them feel what they need to, and make sure they identify you as someone they can come to and talk things out.
- Introduce visualization - Sports psych studies have shown that different visualization techniques can be helpful in managing competition anxiety. Look to try basic visualization techniques with the athlete to help them stay focused and calm during meets.
This list is by no means comprehensive - there are many ways to help support athletes through a dip in performance. Working through these dips will take time, but if you put the athlete first and show them you support them, they will find their stride again!
