The regulation balance beam is 10 centimeters long, 500 cm long and sits 125 cm above the floor. Gymnasts perform amazing feats of agility and strength on this piece of equipment --- though many have an initial fear of the apparatus. Even experienced aerialists and tumblers may shy away from performing their tricks on the beam. Overcoming fear of the balance beam can be challenging, but is possible with proper training, technique, patience and practice.
Step 1
Perfect your gymnastics moves off the beam to build your confidence and lessen fears. You must be fully confident in performing a move before you attempt it on the beam. Focus on technique and balance.
Step 2
Draw a rectangle on your gymnastics mat. It should be the exact length and width of a regulation balance beam. Practice all your moves using this marking until you are confident in your ability to stay within your practice space. Have someone watch to make sure you stay within the space.
Step 3
Practice basic moves on a low beam. Find a gym that has low beam that sits just a few inches from the floor. Increase the complexity of your moves. For example, practice small leaps, then move on to splits, poses and finally aerial tricks.
Step 4
Increase the height of the beams you work with incrementally. You can overcome your fear as you master each new height, finally reaching a regulation-size beam. Do not try to move too fast. Only step up to a new height when you are fully confident.
Step 5
Practice all your beam moves in your head. The Gymnastics Zone website explains that this mental preparation is extremely important because you visualize the stunts perfectly every time.
Step 6
Identify the most dangerous aspect of each move you plan to perform. For instance, if you are doing a cartwheel on the beam, the scariest mistake you could make is missing the beam with your hands, which could cause you to hit your head on the apparatus and fall off.The Perfectly Good Health website says once you identify and master the most potentially injurious part of the move, the worst thing that can occur is a controlled fall.
Step 7
Learn to safely mount and dismount the beam. As always, master simple moves before moving on to more complicated maneuvers.
Tips and Warnings
- Always use spotters as you are learning. Use stacked mats to help prevent injuries.
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