Rec REC coaching help

[NatalieL]

Hi there!
I work at a gymnastics gym that has started a REC cheer program. We currently have two classes on the week days with mixed skill levels. I was hoping for any advice about re-leveling the girls? I want to create levels that cheerleaders are with peers of similar skill level but I do not want to break up the stunt groups. They have started stunting and learning to trust each other, and I do not want to mess that up by re-leveling the girls. any advice is much appreciated!

 

[CoachJamie]

Hello Natalie That is awesome that you started a team. Where are you located? How many girls do you have and what tumbling do they have? Also what level stunting are they doing? These questions can help deciding how to break them up properly to have the most success.

 

[NatalieL]

We are located in Colorado! Right now most girls have a cartwheel and a forward and backward roll. we are teaching roundoffs but only a few girls have fully grasped the concept. As for stunting, they have preps and one group can do an extension on a good day. The hard part is the girls in the class come and go for different sports and after school activities. so we have a revolving door of new girls being added into the classes.

 

[CoachJamie]

Hey Natalie I am so sorry I just saw this message. When we started we had similar issues. My suggestion is have a meeting with all the kids and parents. Let them know that you want to grow the cheer program and that you encourage them doing other activities but that for them to continue in the class they have to make a commitment. Cheer is a sport where every single person has a purpose and it is hard to progress when someone is missing. Maybe set 2 practice days a week that are mandatory. Once that is done you should be able to make groups and start building a strong and solid team.

 

[CoachJamie]

Also what age group are these kids?