Yep, that’s right.  Coaches can play a big role in fostering moral development in their cheerleaders.  How?  Well, it may be easier than you think and you’re probably doing it already! 

Performance excellence in cheerleading requires the consistent control of body, mind, and spirit.  This means developing good habits such as attending practices on time, listening attentively to the coach, attending to the rules, practicing diligently, and being a team player.  (more…)

If you’re a cheerleading coach, you are always giving feedback to your athletes.  Chances are, unless you’ve gotten specialized training, the way you deliver feedback is similar to the way your coach gave you feedback. 

It may seem simple.  A cheerleader attempts to execute a toe touch and fails.  What do you do?   (more…)

How do you build a successful, cohesive cheerleading team?  What are the elements you would put in place?  Sometimes cheerleading coaches are busy juggling so many responsibilities that they don’t take the time to consider this challenge.  (more…)

If I were to ask you if sports help build good character, you (like most people) would quickly say “yes.” But think about this for a moment.  Think about how some pro athletes get arrested for all sorts of crimes and misdemeanors. Recall stories of irate parents screaming at referees or judges or – their own kids! Make note of athletes who pout when they don’t win.  And the list can go on and on. (more…)

Sometimes I hear from cheerleaders who either are frustrated with how things are going on their squad or who have suggestions they’d like to offer to their coaches but – they are reluctant to talk to their coaches about this. Now why would this be the case? (more…)

I came across this quote from an unknown author today and thought my cheerleading friends might like it:  ”Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to produce uncommon results.”  (more…)

The latest issue of the snazzy and information-packed on-line cheerleading magazine – Entirely Cheer – is now available for your reading pleasure. I might add that it is free!  That’s right – it won’t cost you a penny to read this cheer magazine.  (To enhance your reading pleasure, be sure to use the “whole screen” feature – it is the third icon from the left at the top of the page.) The current issue contains several “Tip Sheets” such as, How to prepare for the new All-Star season; How to prepare for the new High School Cheer season; and much more.  The articles include topics on communication, hydration, sportsmanship plus a video on how to do a back walkover mount stunt!  (more…)

In my previous posts, I shared the wisdom of legendary basketball coach – John Wooden. Cheerleading coaches (and everyone, really) can learn a lot from this sage fellow.  Coach Wooden had his own ideas about criticism – who should do the criticizing, under what circumstances and how. (more…)

If we are smart, we try to learn from people smarter than us!  Cheerleading coaches have tough (and rewarding) jobs.  One of the best athletic coaches ever – John Wooden – was a master motivator.  Here is some more of his wisdom.  (more…)

Yesterday I wrote about cheerleading coaches who yell at their cheerleaders.  I suspect many do this because they truly believe it is a way to motivate athletes.  But does it work?  (more…)