Building back skills - the RElearning process

The aim here is to focus on building back previous skills that we have learnt that we are now having difficulty with (in some cases this is known as mental blocks, although you may also need to build back skills if you have had some time off or have been injured).

Remember:

This information is different to when you are learning a skill for the first time.

Rebuilding the skill and motivation…

• When we go through this process the aim is to be as rational as possible so that we focus our energy on breaking down skills through drills and progressions.

• This allows you to rebuild gradually and work to reduce the doubts by replacing them with smaller successes.

• Restoring your confidence this way will allow you to focus on base movements.

• Through this process you may find that your motivation dips when things aren’t going to plan, this is normal and to be expected (it certainly won’t be straight line progression, there will be peaks and troughs.)

• The key is to keep focusing on your next best step.

Positivity, gratitude, growth mindset…

• Taking this approach with our mindset allows us to focus on how we move forward and navigate the mental block (rather than getting bogged down on the why it has occurred).

• As you navigate these steps it is also helpful to recognise that these experiences provide a chance to reframe experiences as opportunities for learning. This means you can channel your energy into things you are confident as well as navigating the setback.

• If you believe in your ability to improve, it won’t solve the issue, but you are more likely to persist against the challenges that you will face.

• When you do this, you are more likely to celebrate victories, focus on your love for the sport, and recognise that progress is not linear.

Support and encouragement (coach-athlete connections)…

• A strong coach-athlete relationship has a significant impact when you are building back skills.

• Support and encouragement from coaches and teammates can also be helpful when we are rebuilding skills.

• For many individuals having understanding people in their gym makes them feel less isolated and alone in their struggles and helped to build back confidence.

• It can also be helpful if you have a coach who is able to recognise the patterns in the challenges you are facing.

• This will help you identify when it is time to take a step back or take a different approach.

Remember the 4 steps in the image below to help you navigate the moments when you need to build back skills.