The word “routine” here refers to the specific steps you take to prepare yourself for actually performing a cheerleading stunt or a move.  In other words, do you just jump into it or do you take a moment to focus, visualize and then act?  You won’t be surprised to learn that I am a big fan of incorporating a mental pre-performance routine into your cheerleading practice! 

You’ve heard me say over and over how important focus is in any kind of performance.  (It’s also a key in reducing accidents and injuries.) So, ask yourself, what do you do to enhance your focus at cheerleading practice?  And by the way, this isn’t just about practice; remember what you do at practice will show up at performance so you’re wise to take this seriously. 

The best athletes believe that good practice and performance (mental) routines get you where you need to be when you need to be there. In other words, in pressure filled moments, it’s good to have a mental routine to rely on to get you focused  and back on track. 

Here’s a simple pre-practice routine that you can try:  Before you jump into anything, pause, exhale slowly three times, and say “focus” to yourself. Then take a moment and visualize with your mind’s eye what you want your body to do.  Once the scene is clear to you, exhale slowly once more and proceed. 

If you do this often enough, you will have created a simple but powerful routine to get yourself focused and mentally prepared for performance.