Flying Confusion

[MavsEmma12]

This is my second season at a new gym. Last season I flew on a Sr 4 Coed team. I was put on the team because of flexibility. This season when I tried out, the group( our gym determines team levels after a few practices.) I was putin what seems to be around a J2. I was put in a stunt group basing, but I really would like to fly. I DO NOT want to be "Suzy"(athlete who threatens to quit if not put on a certain team, parent threatens to pull athlete from program, etc.) and I am confused if I should say something...If anyone has any advice it would be a great help. I really enjoy flying and I feel that if I can not I don't want to cheer. Please and thank you in advance.:)

 

[oncecoolcoachnowmom]

Some feedback from a coaching perspective:

1. Most gyms generally have more "I only want to fly" girls than they actually need. Keep that mind. If you can put up a max of 8 stunts and you have 18 flyers in tryouts, they can't all fly.

2. Versatility is a cheerleader's greatest strength. Learning how to base is not a bad thing. It just makes you more of an asset to your team in a sense that you can do both.

3. Let your skills talk moreso than your mouth. Saying you're a great flyer and showing coaches that you can be one are two different things. It's still early in the season so you have to show vs. tell/complain.

4. There will always be someone tighter in the air and more flexible than you.

5. Don't be the "if I can't fly I'm going to like half-base every stunt and not try as hard because I'm pouting/petty" girl. That's not going to get you a flying spot. It's just going to get everyone upset.

6. Evaluate your goals in cheer. See #4. Someone is always going to be tighter in the air and more flexible. Especially if your team ends up being J2. There will possibly be younger juniors with better technique. Ask yourself: Is your goal to CHEER or is it to JUST fly? Recognize that this season, it may not be in the cards for you. If it is not, ask if flying is so important that you're willing to chuck years of cheer over it? Is it about the team/program? Or about you as a flyer? Those are all important questions.

Good luck to you!

 

[MavsEmma12]

I appreciate your advice. My goal is to show the coaches I am coach able, ready to work, and to improve my skills. I understand that this season, I may just not be able to fly:)



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[Kate081]

Make sure you keep your flexibility up this season and try practice flying at open gyms if you can. That way you'll be more likely to be a flyer next season :)


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[MavsEmma12]

Make sure you keep your flexibility up this season and try practice flying at open gyms if you can. That way you'll be more likely to be a flyer next season :)


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Thank you for the advice and help!:)



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[dshweezy]

Keep stretching, and don't give up even if they put you basing for bit. It is important to be a well rounded cheerleader and have experience in every position from flying to back spotting. You never know when you might need to use those skills. Take some stunting classes if they are available in your gym to keep up with your flying. If you don't have classes ask your coaches if they could maybe host one, if not find a group and some flat grass! Just be careful and stay safe without coaches there. Don't try crazy stunts if you're not sure you can hit them. Focus on the basics and that will bring your stunting a long way. If you're really putting an effort into improving your flying the coaches will really appreciate that!