4 Ways To Lose Before The Season Starts

4 Ways To Lose Before The Season Starts

Listen up competitive cheerleaders. Here are 4 ways to lose before the season even starts.

Jul 28, 2017 by Jessica Baker
4 Ways To Lose Before The Season Starts

If you're reading this article my bet is you're not looking for four ways to lose. You're probably looking for what NOT to do so you have the best chance possible to shine your trophies at the end of the season.

The offseason, though, is not what it sounds like. Champions don't let off the gas when competition season is on break. Instead, they train and game-plan a strategy to be successful when the blue mats roll back out in the fall.

But this isn't an article about what TO DO to win -- that's coming later. These are the things you need to avoid at all costs to prevent a bumpy season.

1. Jump ship

Gym-hopping, jumping ship or whatever you want to call it -- leaving your program (without good reason) for a taste of something new can hurt team potential, stunt group maturity, and harm team camaraderie. Being an active member of a gym and finding an environment you thrive in is important. It may seem exciting at the time, but don't burn a bridge just to try something new.

2. Take off in the offseason

Taking a break is fine. In fact, it's necessary after three-plus practices a week, competitions on the weekend, in addition to school and everything else life-related. But once you've had time off, it's time to get back to training. Summer is when a lot of athletes see improvement in their tumbling and solo skills. If you tried out with certain skills, your coaches will be expecting that and more by time choreography rolls around. Set goals and train to achieve them. There's a famous Nike ad that says it best:

Think training is hard? Try losing.

3. Miss the team outing

You may not be the social butterfly but make an effort to connect with your teammates. If you isolate yourself from your team or don't make an effort to socialize you risk the camaraderie needed to function well on the mat and off. Winning teams have a secret weapon -- a strong bond. 

4. Compare yourself to your teammates

Just joined a new team or have some newbies to look out for? Don't ruin your confidence or drive by comparing your skills to theirs. EVERYONE has a purpose on the team and comparing your best pass to theirs is not a good way to focus on your training. Chin up, train up and skill up the right way.

If you've read this, you're already on the right track: getting the mind right for competition season. Good luck, and we'll see you out there!


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