By: Vicki Dill

With competitive cheer and dance seasons extending through late May, it’s understandable that some coaches experience the dreaded “burn out” toward the end of each season. Sometimes, you just need to change it up and step outside your comfort zone to reignite your passion for cheer and dance.

Get creative:

When you’re entrenched in choreography and scoresheets, it’s easy to get tunnel vision. Recharge by exploring other avenues for inspiration. Attend broadway shows, go to concerts, try new sports, attend dance classes, watch school band performances (they have amazing transitions), try aerial yoga classes, or watch YouTube videos of flash mobs. All of these different outlets can reignite your creative spirit and put you back in the mood to choreograph something new.

Attend a coach’s conference:

These are ideal for motivating veterans! The people running the events are usually high-energy, knowledgeable and pumped about cheer and dance; their enthusiasm is contagious. You’ll learn new techniques, make contacts within the industry and find your spark for coaching again.

Bring in a guest coach:

Often when coaching, all the pressure is on you! You are responsible for new stunt sequences, getting music organized, teaching choreography, and retaining your athletes' attention. Bring in a stunt specialist or new tumbling coach. This will give both you and your athletes a different perspective, and you’ll get to take a backseat and learn a little while still keeping your athletes fired up. 

Get social:

Competition and sideline season can be intense at times, and there’s usually not a lot of extra time to socialize. Schedule some activities for you, your athletes and your coaches. When bonds are built, everyone wants to work harder for the good of the team. Try ropes courses, water parks, ice skating parties, working together for a charity or going to the movies as a team. These bonds help encourage everyone to give their very best. 

Ask for ideas:

Don’t be afraid to ask your team if they have any ideas for the new season. You will be surprised at how much they can actually help you. A fun activity to do with them during offseason is holding creative stunt contests. Divide them into fair groups and give stipulations for the routine. For example, require each routine to have five stunts, including an inversion, a one-leg stunt, a basket, a creative entry and something with a full twist (within level). You’ll be pleasantly shocked by their innovative ideas!

Attend a cheerleading camp:

Cheer camp is meant to build your team’s unity and skills. In addition, they usually offer some coach training. Take this opportunity to meet other coaches, bond with your team and learn new techniques from the camp instructors. 

Try something new:

It’s easy to become comfortable and keep doing things the same year after year. Create a new tradition, add a new event to your team’s schedule, or do something out of the ordinary for the new season. Change can make you grow as a leader, and keep you engaged in the moment.

Take some time off:

Coaches give SO much of themselves. Not only do they coach, but they are encouragers, counselors, principals, choreographers, marketers, schedulers, and on occasion, even taxi drivers! It’s important to take a break from the team at the end of the season. Spend time reading, traveling, disconnecting and enjoying activities unrelated to cheer. You need this time to ensure you have the energy necessary to coach!