From time to time I am asked to write on behalf of products that cheerleaders might want to use.  A while back I was sent three products from Salon Grafix: The Invisible Dry Spray Shampoo, the Heat Protect Spray, and my personal favorite – the Curl Boosting Spray.

Now as you, my readers, know, this blog is all about the mental game of cheerleading but, as we females know, and as silly as it may seem, a bad hair day can become a negative distraction and hence, may affect your performance! Read the rest of this entry »

Calling all cheerleaders!  If you are interested in cheering in college, read on!

Kat Jones, founder of College Cheer Guide, is organizing the first ever Collegiate Cheer Recruit Clinic on August 27th in Dallas. This special one-day event is only open to the first 300 cheerleaders who register so – hurry! 

By attending this even you will be able to: Read the rest of this entry »

I would like you all to meet a cheerleader who really defines what mental toughness is all about.  Her name is Lexus Kline and she cheers for the Wheeling All Stars in Follansbee, West Virginia. Her birthday is coming up soon; she will turn 11 on July 7^th. 

If you read my blog you know that I write a lot about persistence, courage, commitment, and dedication.  Well, Lexus has it all! Here is her story: Read the rest of this entry »

Feeling hungry?  Got a craving?  Cheerleaders who work hard need to eat to keep up their strength but we all know that sometimes you might indulge in junk food. Of course all that junk food adds up and soon you realize that your cheerleading uniform is – well, a little tight! 

Well, there’s good news!  A recent study has shown that if you use your imagination, you may lose weight! Or at least reduce your cravings…  Read the rest of this entry »

A cheerleader recently asked me to answer a series of questions about mental blocks for a school project and I decided to record my responses.  You can hear my answers to her questions by clicking on the link below. You can also download the mp3 version if you wish.

Soon, thousands of cheerleaders, coaches,  cheer parents and fans from all over the world will be pouring into Orlando Florida for the annual Worlds Cheerleading and Dance Competition.   This weekend marks the end or near end of the cheerleading competition season. 

In reflecting on this past competition season, I recall someone asking me what words of wisdom or what inspirational talk could a cheerleading coach offer to his or her team right before  they go on stage. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s a long flight from Boston to Seattle but it will be worth it!  This Friday I leave bright and early for my trek to Everett, Washington (north of Seattle) for the annual conference for cheerleading coaches.  

It will be a jam-packed weekend with lots of class options for the coaches.  I will be teaching 3 different classes: How to Bring out the Leader in your Cheerleader; How to Enhance Motivation and Improve Performance; and How to Identify and Change Negative Thinking.

All of these classes are based on best practices from sport psychology and all are evidence-based.  This means that there is scientific proof that these techniques really work – if – if they are actually put into practice! Read the rest of this entry »

When I attended a recent cheerleading competition I noticed a large crowd around one of the vendor booths. Being curious, I investigated and discovered that the attraction was a product that made grand claims to improve balance and infuse energy not to mention cure almost any ailment known to man! 

I walked away, knowing it was a bunch of hooey but I was concerned that so many people were paying $30 for a worthless piece of plastic.  The manufacturers of these wristbands rely on the placebo effect which is based on a person’s belief or expectation that something (a pill, a technique or a device) will be effective. 

Power Balance is currently being sued for making false claims. At this time 15 lawsuits have been filed against Power Balance in California, Florida, Alabama, and New Jersey.  Read the rest of this entry »

What are you doing to observe National Cheerleading Safety Month?  For some of the best ideas, visit the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) website – http://aacca.org/safetymonth .

No one wants to see a cheerleader get hurt and yet in the busyness of the season it can be easy to forget some simple guidelines. Of course all coaches should be trained in risk management and basic first aid.  Additionally, all gyms should have an emergency response plan. Again, the AACCA website offers a wealth of valuable information. Read the rest of this entry »