Setting Goals for Success in Tumbling, Gymnastics, and Cheer

One of my favorite parts of coaching is watching athletes chase their goals—whether it’s a tiny tumbler determined to land their first cartwheel, a gymnast working towards their kip, or a cheer athlete pushing for an elite skill. Goal-setting is a total game-changer. It gives direction, motivation, and a clear path to improvement. But let’s be real—setting a goal isn’t just about saying, “I want to get my back handspring.” If it were that easy, we’d all be flipping like Simone Biles by now! It’s about making a plan, trusting the process, and maybe resisting the urge to dramatically flop onto the mat when things don’t click right away.

When it comes to setting goals, I always encourage my athletes to use the SMART method—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of something vague like “I want to be better at tumbling,” a SMART goal sounds more like “I will land my standing back handspring on the spring floor within three months by attending class twice a week and practicing my drills at home.” See the difference? One is just wishful thinking, and the other is a solid plan with real steps to get there—kind of like how you don’t just hope your handstand will hold; you drill it until it becomes second nature (and until your arms stop shaking like Jell-O).

Now, I get it—when you’re working on a big skill, it’s easy to obsess over the end goal and get frustrated when it doesn’t happen right now. But trust me, those small wins along the way? They’re everything. If your goal is to stick a roundoff back handspring tuck, you can’t expect to magically wake up one day and do it. Instead, focus on the steps—perfecting a strong roundoff, building core strength, improving air awareness, and drilling technique consistently. Celebrate those little victories, because each one is a stepping stone toward the big goal.

Let’s talk about setbacks for a second—because, spoiler alert, they’re part of the process. Fear, mental blocks, frustration—they happen to everyone (yes, even that teammate who seems to land everything effortlessly). But the athletes who succeed? They’re the ones who push through, show up, and keep grinding even when it’s tough. I always remind my athletes that failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it. You wouldn’t quit working on a skill just because you fell the first time, right? You reset, refocus, and go again. That’s how progress happens.

The key to success isn’t just about how hard you train but also how you train. Consistency is everything! You don’t need to spend hours every day exhausting yourself—sometimes, short but focused practice sessions make the biggest difference. Even just five minutes a day working on flexibility, core strength, or form can speed up progress. Quality over quantity! And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t rather spend five solid minutes on drills than an hour of flopping around and hoping for the best?

Athletes should learn to trust their bodies, but challenge their minds. Confidence plays a huge role in achieving new skills. If you keep telling yourself, "I can't do it," your brain will believe it! Instead, flip the script. Start saying, "I'm getting closer," or "I've got this." Your mindset matters just as much as your physical ability. So next time you're standing at the edge of the floor overthinking a skill, take a deep breath, remind yourself of the progress you've made, and go for it! Remember—progress looks different for everyone. Some athletes pick up new skills quickly, while others need more time to master them. That doesn’t mean one is better than the other! What matters is that you’re showing up, putting in the effort, and staying committed to your goals. Everyone’s journey is unique, so don’t waste time comparing yourself to the person next to you. Focus on your growth, celebrate your wins, and keep moving forward at your pace.

Last thing—- accountability is huge. Share your goals with your coaches, teammates, and even your family (yes, that means your little brother who may or may not roll his eyes every time you talk about tumbling). Having people who encourage you, check in on your progress, and remind you why you started can make all the difference. Plus, let’s be honest, everything is more fun when you’ve got a squad cheering you on (literally and figuratively).