- Jul 10, 2013
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It’s a new year which means you have a new season to build – build your strength, build your technique and build each other up. Arguably, without our desire to encourage others and raise spirit, cheerleading would have never grown to the size it is today. As competition season finally arrives and you start to focus on winning, let’s stay true to our original goal to always build each other up. Here are some tips to spread spirit and good sportsmanship throughout your competition season:
1. Cheer for Yourself
The best way to spread confidence on your team is by being confident in yourself. From the minute you arrive to the minute you leave awards, prepare to be your very best. Perform to your full ability and leave it all on the mat so that you can wear a smile on your face, win or lose. Stay focused on the technique that you’ve worked on all year, and enjoy getting to show off how dedicated you’ve been to practicing. Most of all, accept your placement graciously. Do not be cocky and do not play the victim. Be happy with the place you are awarded, and use it to fuel your next performance.
2. Cheer for Your Teammates
The best part about being on a team is that if everyone gives 100% to the team, everyone is rewarded. You’ll always remember that time your teammate gave you kind words of encouragement before a competition, so why not pass it on? Be that type of friend to your teammates. Let them know that there is no doubt in your mind that they can hit their skills. It will make them feel good, and you’ll feel better for helping them!
3. Cheer for Your Competitors
As difficult as it sounds, cheer for every team that performs. We all want to win, but if we all refused to applaud our competitors, we’d be performing for a silent crowd – and what fun is that? As coaches and cheerleaders, we design our routines to be filled with contagious music and jaw-dropping skills because we live to see a crowd light up! If your team passes by another team, wish them the best of luck because in your heart you’ll feel better knowing that every team in your division gave it their all.
Remember that confidence is contagious, so make sure you spread as much spirit as you possibly can on and off the mat. Best of luck this season! Ready – set – let’s build!
-Caitlin Cofield
1. Cheer for Yourself
The best way to spread confidence on your team is by being confident in yourself. From the minute you arrive to the minute you leave awards, prepare to be your very best. Perform to your full ability and leave it all on the mat so that you can wear a smile on your face, win or lose. Stay focused on the technique that you’ve worked on all year, and enjoy getting to show off how dedicated you’ve been to practicing. Most of all, accept your placement graciously. Do not be cocky and do not play the victim. Be happy with the place you are awarded, and use it to fuel your next performance.
2. Cheer for Your Teammates
The best part about being on a team is that if everyone gives 100% to the team, everyone is rewarded. You’ll always remember that time your teammate gave you kind words of encouragement before a competition, so why not pass it on? Be that type of friend to your teammates. Let them know that there is no doubt in your mind that they can hit their skills. It will make them feel good, and you’ll feel better for helping them!
3. Cheer for Your Competitors
As difficult as it sounds, cheer for every team that performs. We all want to win, but if we all refused to applaud our competitors, we’d be performing for a silent crowd – and what fun is that? As coaches and cheerleaders, we design our routines to be filled with contagious music and jaw-dropping skills because we live to see a crowd light up! If your team passes by another team, wish them the best of luck because in your heart you’ll feel better knowing that every team in your division gave it their all.
Remember that confidence is contagious, so make sure you spread as much spirit as you possibly can on and off the mat. Best of luck this season! Ready – set – let’s build!
-Caitlin Cofield
