Coaching Struggles,

[Itsshelbayy]

I coach a high school team that used to be horrible. Once being on it and starting the competition team there and after leaving the game squad team remains and the competition team dissipated. A year later I am back coaching (yes I'm only 19) & couldn't Be more proud. The girls work really hard and have more than enough skills I just feel as though they aren't bonding like the all star team I AM ON does. I'm taking them to camp on Friday and as a coach I know their skills will shine but as a team I'm scared they are going to shatter! HELP!

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[cheer coach k]

Take a few practices and really focus on team bonding skills! I do things like take my team to the local pool or beach, go out to dinner or go to six flags! These are ways for the girls to bond that relate to life outside of cheerleading, and helps them connect on a different level. When you take cheer out of the mix and let the girls just be themselves, it really helps them bond on a whole new level! Good luck!

 

[alexamarysouza]

though I'm not a coach, I've been on multiple teams that had this issue. My allstar team has a weekend that we designate every season for our 'bonding trip' that kind of kicks off our season. Last season we had a little party at the gym, and made inspirational signs to hang up around the gym. We then got in groups and rode to the mall and did a scavenger hunt. Everything had to be our main gym color, red. It was a lot of fun! Then there was a pool party at a team mates house. Our bonding trips are always a ton of fun!

 

[LisaB288]

Itsshelbayy - I just started coaching a high school team also and I am 21! I am excited to be back in the cheer world but I am also nervous after hearing that the girls are really split up between their grade level. I don't really know what to do other then bonding dinners/parties? They have had that in the past and still are very split! Any other ideas??

 

[ACdynasty]

Team dinners/parties are both settings where the athletes can break off into cliques. Have you tried:

- Creating mini teams that have to pass through a series of challenges (like a scavenger hunt, or "amazing race") that have to compete for an ultimate prize is fun

- A cooking challenge with healthy alternatives in teams that you choose (hopefully you know who is close with who, and introduce them to teammates they normally wouldn't hang out with)

- Quiz! Each teammate contributes a random perhaps unknown fact about themselves, everyone must complete the quiz and the highest score wins a prize

These are just some of many ideas you can try! Ultimately, patience will help guide you in the right direction. Teenagers need time and situations that will encourage bonding. Competitions, hair/make up nights are all things that have proven to bring teams together - especially if the end result is positive!

Hope this helps!

 

[ericadance]

I agree with everyone! Team bonding is perfect!!

 

[Itsshelbayy]

I just came back from camp with them today. We attended USA camp in UCSC and the girls had an outstanding bonding experience. I never let them have their phones. Whether it be games competition or a practice. The phones go in the fish bowl at the start and they get them when there are dismissed. Not only does this help them get water on their water break but it helps them with having to talk to each other. I took them at camp and I assigned the rooms with people that they wouldn't talk to and I also didn't let them hang out in other peoples room, they had to hang out in the halls. The bonding was so so good and I think were really headed in the right direction. Hope this helps!

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