Removing fear & why we coach this way

Creating a fear free environment

• When we create a safe and fun environment for students to practise in, they feel comfortable training with us and eventually build confidence in themselves and their abilities, on and off of the trampoline. Those who are afraid of performing a skill will be at high risk when practicing and will be unable to commit to their tricks.

• Every trick has a number of sets and drills that can be practiced for building awareness, understanding of how to perform the trick. This will eventually provide them with the physical ability and mental confidence required to commit to the trick.

• When students demonstrate understanding of the trick, they can be left to practise the sets and drills on their own. When trying the new trick for the first time should use the airbag, foam pit, or have a coach or experienced student throw a pad for them on the trampoline.

• If you see someone setting for a trick correctly but then when they attempt the whole trick do something completely different, they have likely not developed enough understanding and/or confidence to perform the trick. Have them go back to basics and continue to master the set before continuing to avoid injury and building bad habits and muscle memory.

Why we coach this way

• We coach this way to avoid mental overload, physical fatigue, and to greatly reduce the risk of injury. If we let students try tricks before they are ready, we are also putting them at risk and setting a bad example for others.

• When students demonstrate a better understanding of the trick, give them more technical coaching points to focus on. Have them focus on one body part at a time instead of trying to process what their entire body is doing in one moment.