Lost Move Syndrome, sometimes called Lost Skill Syndrome, is a complex and often misunderstood psychological phenomenon where athletes suddenly lose the ability to perform a previously automatic skill. Known as blackouts, balking, or mental blocks in gymnastics, this issue can evoke intense frustration and helplessness. Specific types, like Flikikammo (affecting backward-moving skills) and the twisties (impacting twisting skills), illustrate just how precise and context-dependent these blocks can be. Athletes who once performed these skills with ease now face a sudden, disconcerting disconnect, as though a fundamental part of their movement has slipped away. These blackouts can be bewildering for the athletes, their coaches, and even us as sport psychologists as we work to provide effective support.

Lost Move Syndrome is more common than many realize, especially in high-skill, high-stakes sports like gymnastics, trampoline, and diving, where athletes rely on well-practiced, highly automated movements. In fact, in one study from ​Maaranen and colleagues (2017)​, 81% of athletes reported experiencing some form of blackout during their career, although only 6% met the criteria for Lost Move Syndrome—predominantly in backward-moving skills. Other athletes showed signs of choking under pressure, slumping, or a general fear of injury. I believe this distinction is crucial, as it guides us as sport psychology professionals in understanding where to focus our efforts with each athlete.

Athletes describe Lost Move Syndrome as stemming from a mix of anxiety, overthinking, and environmental pressures. High-stakes situations and the fear of injury or past mistakes can create mental barriers that lead gymnasts to subconsciously avoid certain skills. Overthinking can disrupt muscle memory as athletes try to consciously control what was once automatic, resulting in “paralysis by analysis.” Perfectionism and high self-expectations further fuel mental pressure, undermining focus and confidence. Lastly, prolonged stress from intense training, competitions, and scrutiny can lead to burnout, where cognitive overload triggers momentary blackouts or loss of control.

Imagine a gymnast gearing up to perform a skill they’ve practiced countless times, only to feel a sudden, inexplicable disconnection. For some, repeated falls or injuries amplify the fear of re-injury, creating a subconscious mental block. For others, the pressure to meet performance expectations leads them to consciously control what was once an instinctive movement, disrupting their natural flow. Important to note is, that fear isn’t necessarily the initial cause for the lost move or blackout—athletes usually express that their fear isn’t of the skill itself but rather of losing control over their motor performance and hesitating mid-execution (e.g., ​Maaranen et al. 2017​).

As sport psychologists, our challenge is to help athletes address the underlying fears and regain a sense of control. Techniques like guided relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and kinaesthetic imagery—focusing on bodily sensations rather than visualizing the skill—can help athletes reduce overthinking and return to automaticity. This is also important, because athletes with the lost move syndrome are often unable to correctly visualize their affected skills. In addition to thought-stopping techniques, where athletes are taught to interrupt negative or anxious thoughts, we can also raise awareness for where the attention goes first, and through that try to help break the cycle of over-analysis that exacerbates these blackouts. Creating a shadow routine that excludes the blocked skills allows athletes to keep training confidently, helping them maintain momentum without feeling entirely stuck in their sport. Interestingly, athletes often find they can temporarily perform the blocked skills when their focus shifts away from the skill itself. Techniques like adding a forward-moving skill before the blocked one or introducing an intense distraction can help redirect attention and reduce the pressure associated with the skill (e.g., ​Maaranen et al., 2017​).

Educating coaches is essential for managing Lost Move Syndrome effectively. Coaches play a pivotal role in either reinforcing the block through added pressure or supporting gradual recovery. We can help coaches understand the importance of patience and a non-judgmental environment where athletes feel safe to take their time. Rather than urging athletes to “push through” or “just do it,” coaches can be guided to use gradual exposure techniques, breaking the skill into smaller, less intimidating components. This fosters mastery through small successes, relieving pressure for both the athlete and coach.

As sport psychology professionals, creating awareness around Lost Move Syndrome and similar mental blocks can help athletes and coaches view these challenges as manageable, rather than insurmountable obstacles. Normalizing Lost Move Syndrome can make athletes feel less isolated and encourage coaches to approach these situations with greater empathy and patience. When athletes, coaches, and sport psychology professionals collaborate to address Lost Move Syndrome with evidence-based strategies, we not only help athletes regain their skills but also contribute to a healthier, more supportive sports culture overall.

If you’d like to read more about Lost Move Syndrome, several studies provide valuable insights on the topic, including ​Day et al. (2007)​, ​Bennett et al., (2016)​, ​Maaranen et al. (2017)​, ​Maaranen et al. (2020)​, ​Yu et al. (2022)​, and ​Marsollier & Hauw (2024)​.

What approaches have you found effective in supporting athletes through blackouts, Flikikammo, or similar lost skill situations? I’d love to hear your insights—just click here to share your experiences!