The "Rough" Days

Every gymnast is going to have bad days. Whether it's in the gym, or at a meet. I've never heard of a gymnast that has never had a bad day in the world of gymnastics. It's impossible. There's different type of "rough days" it can be something that's going on outside of the gym, mental blocks, a big meet coming up, or you somehow just can't hit those skills.
As a previous gymnast I had some days where there would be something going on out of gym, such as grades, or a party I couldn't go to. Those things could lead to a bad day at the gym. But honestly, those are the things that shouldn't affect your gymnastics. The gym to me was like a different world, a place where I didn't worry about my hair, or what was going on with my friends. It seemed like a magical place. So the fact that I wasn't performing to my standards because of something that happened out of the gym? No excuses, none. I don't remember having those days that much, maybe I had a couple. But definitely not that many. So if you're ever in that situation, just take a deep breath and try to forget about everything (well, of course not your gymnastics) I'm sure it will still be there after practice.
Mental blocks were the most frequent thing for me. There were days where I would start crying because I was too scared to do a skill I knew how to do. I didn't cry because I was scared (okay, maybe a little) but I cried more so because I was frustrated. I didn't understand why I couldn't do the skill. Mental blocks are hard to deal with, they could last a practice, or even a year. My coach always just told me to close my eyes, take a deep breath, and picture myself doing the skill perfectly. That worked most of the time. And don't be afraid to ask for a spot, I'm sure your coach will understand. Remember, you're a gymnast. This sport is supposed to be fun, so don't be afraid to talk to your coach.
When I was younger, I never got that nervous for a meet. At practice I was usually very energized, ready to compete. But then once I got home to go to bed, I didn't fall asleep until usually about 11:30. The next morning I wasn't tired at all, the adrenaline must have kicked in. It wouldn't be until I was standing next to the apparatus, waiting for the judge to salute me that I could feel my heart beating a mile a minute. If you are having a bad practice the week before a meet, it might be the meet nerves and you might not even know it!
Of course, everyone is going to have the just plain old "bad days" where they feel weak, or they're not hitting all of their skills. That's normal. Gymnastics is a hard sport on the body and there are going to be days where our bodies just need a rest. That doesn't mean you shouldn't work just as hard if not harder to maintain your skills. But just acknowledge that this is a hard sport, and try not to get frustrated with yourself!
Remember, there are always going to be bad days. And don't be afraid to realize that you are having a bad day. Hey, it happens. Just keep your chin up and believe that you can do it.