"Mentally" Recovering from Injuries

[ClintonMagus]

My daughter is a very good vaulter, but suffered various injuries during the past track season, culminating with a concussion just before the state championships. Now she is afraid to even plant a pole.

How can I help her overcome this? Athletically, she is fine and she still participates in other sports, but mentally she is a mess when it comes to pole vaulting.

[rainbowgirl28]

I would start with lots of short run pole vaulting, and find ways to make it fun. Skip the meets and such this summer, unless she begs for them, and just find things that she enjoys. It's OK to take a break from the sport for several months and do other things.

[neo1973]

I am assuming these were all pole vaulting injuries? Especially the concussion?

Was she wearing a helmet? Perhaps using one would help build her confidence back up.

Also, she really shouldn't be getting hurt if she is practicing and competing safely and properly. I realize stuff happens, but it sounds like it happened a lot to your daughter. Without assuming too much, I would say that it might help to look at how she is being instructed and how she is practicing.